Personal transformation, the process of growth through the challenges and opportunities of life, is about maximizing your God-given potential. One of the most important parts of the process is being able to see the big picture when faced with a challenge. Psychological research shows that those who are optimistic are more successful in work and love.
Why? Because they put life into proper perspective. When something goes wrong, a grounded optimist sees the truth, but also sees the good of a situation. She is able to have hope despite the odds. In other words, she has the faith to believe that being knocked down does not equal being knocked out! This kind of attitude is absolutely essential to your personal and spiritual growth.
Sometimes all you need to do to get yourself out of a rut is to look at things from a different perspective. What challenge is causing you stress? What dilemma has you stumped for a solution? What issue has caused you a bit of frustration lately? I want to challenge you to step out of your routine way of looking at things and consider a new, healthier perspective.
Whether you’ve downsized a dream and need a new perspective that helps you “raise the bar” a bit, or you’re being too hard on yourself and you need to lighten up, changing your perspective may be just what you need right now. Here are a few ways to do just that:
Step away from the situation – literally
Sometimes, you just need to take a walk or even get away for a vacation. Being in a different environment changes your physical perspective, which often leads to a change in mental perspective. So take a break from working on your challenge – and spend some time focused on something else entirely.
Talk to a wise friend and get their perspective
Because we are often so close to the challenge we face, it can be helpful to ask someone else to share their perspective on a matter. This opens your mind to new options and ways of thinking.
Acknowledge your own progress
Sometimes, the problem that frustrates you today are issues that you would have loved to have had a few years ago. So your child is stressing you out – don’t forget to take a moment to be grateful for the gift of family. Perhaps work is hectic right now, but at one point, your aim was to land this job. More opportunity can stretch you, but being stretched can be a good thing when you grow from it.
Consider this question: What lesson does this offer me and what will I do differently next time as a result?
Ask, “What’s my vision for this area of my life?”
Sometimes you can be so focused on the issue at your feet that you forget to look up at the long-term vision. It’s called “not seeing the forest for the trees.” Keep your eye on the vision.
Imagine God’s perspective on the matter.
If you sat down with Him for a cup of coffee this morning, what do you think He would tell you?
My challenge to you:
Look at your life from a different perspective. Do something specifically to help you gain a perspective that moves you forward.
Journaling question:
In what ways am I stuck in my thinking? What action could help me gain a healthier perspective? What friend might have a perspective to share that I haven’t considered? Leave your comments below, I’d love to hear from you!
