Perspective
Posted on November 30, 2021 by Pam Penner, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
What is the lens through which you view of the world? Is it lifting you up or shutting you down? How would changing your perspective change your life?
A perspective is a certain way of looking at something, the lens through which we look at a situation. We all look at the world through a variety of lenses: such as our ethnicity; culture; upbringing; gender; socio-economic background; sexual orientation; and work place. As well, we adjust our frame based on our education and experience. Most often we are not aware of the frame through which we view the world, until it no longer works for us. For instance, growing up in a small town, I was taught that my career options were limited because I was a girl, and that if I had nothing nice to say to say nothing at all. As a result of these messages, pressure built up inside myself that negatively affected my health and well-being. It also resulted in a very negative frame, which further limited my options. I wonder what messages you have received from your community and family that has limited your growth, confidence and enjoyment?
I decided to change my perspective and the internal messages I hear. It has been a difficult process and one that I believe is a life-long endeavour, but it is working. For example, I have shifted the negative message about not saying anything to, “If you have nothing nice to say, find a way to say it nicely.” I changed my limiting perspective to one of possibility and hope: I frequently reframe my mindset to focus on what I want, need and like instead of focusing on what I do not want and do not like.
What perspective do you usually take? Is it positive: hope, excitement, opportunity? Or is it negative: dread, uncertainty, disengagement? Does it shut you down or lift you up? If it is not supportive, what would be a different perspective that would encourage and support you?
As a coach, I work with individuals who want to shift their frame from one that is limiting them to one that is positive and provides possibilities, confidence and growth. When we change our lens, we change our view, and that can profoundly improve our lives.
