A Matter of Perspective
We have the power to choose our perspective. Why maintain an outlook that causes distress and negativity? And yet, sometimes, we’re not able to see the alternatives. Let me explain.
This morning my son made the comment that he can’t wait for 2020 to end. In some ways, I can understand why he might feel that way. As a freshman in college, he came home for Spring Break and hasn’t been back to campus since. While he adapted to the remainder of the spring semester being online, when news came that his football season would be cancelled and the fall semester would also be online, he became frustrated. Just as he began stepping into his independence, he was thrust back into living under the same roof with his parents and isolated from his friends.
At the same time, Tony and I have a very different perspective on the situation. We’ve watched him develop an academic organizational system that supported him in achieving great grades and confidence that he’s on top of expectations. He’s been able to commit time to growing his quarterback coaching business. The time he has spent with his girlfriend and friends have been more meaningful. And, it’s been fantastic to have him around and for the three of us to have this unexpected time together.
Two very different perspectives on the same situation. In sharing our perspective with Anthony, the point is not to invalidate his experience but rather to offer him a viewpoint that might serve him better.
How often do we, or our employees, get stuck in a perspective that causes discontentment? And, do we have people in our life who can help us to recognize when our mindset isn’t serving us?
To get in touch and receive future articles, sign up to receive my newsletter here.
