The common saying is, “it’s all about perspective.”
What does that mean?
Is it all about your perspective? The answer is………….
Coaches commonly use the concept of perspective. It can be very insightful to know where you are coming from on any matter of importance. It involves taking a step back and assessing the matter.
The concept that you can choose your perspective is a very powerful one. It is a tool that coaches use to allow clients to move toward desired change. It is very applicable when you are “stuck” in a perspective that may limit your possibilities. A primary purpose of building a perspective you desire is to put you into action in the right direction. The tool of choosing your perspective includes the following steps:
- identify your current (possibly limiting) perspective;
- consider alternative perspectives;
- select one that feels best, and name it;
- commit to changes needed to allow you to move to that perspective;
- practice being in the perspective;
- make it habit.
A “perspective” is a combination of needed focus areas on a certain topic, such as leadership, confidence, fundraising, or balance. I work with clients on building perspectives. For example, to be “in balance”, a certain leader developed the perspective outlined below:
My Balance (the name chosen)
Do my morning routine
Review my priorities for the day — what MUST get done?
Be there for staff
Say no when necessary
Get after the top 1-2 priorities for 2 hours
Laugh at least 4 times
Remind myself of what’s important
Breathe when necessary
End of workday– 3-minute evaluation
Leave the work at the office
Work a maximum of 50 hours this week
Do something for me
This compilation is identified by the leader as important for her to be “in balance”. As identified earlier, the purpose of building the perspective is to put you in action in the right direction. The more that leader practices these factors, the more in balance she will be. Is this hard? Yes— it requires awareness, focus, presence, and practice. Can this be helpful? Enormously.
The concept of being aware of and choosing perspectives applies to many important aspects of your life and work.
One already knows the things that will bring them balance. The harder part is being more aware of of them, practicing them, to make being in balance your habit.
So– is it all about perspective? What is important about this for you?
(This is a rewrite of a portion of an article I wrote, “The Overwhelmed Leader” published in eStream,by River Network).
Fun for the day: biertijd.com/mediaplayer/?itemid=16297
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