Perspective Is Everything
By Jeff Whitaker
I spent this past week in Florida. Now before all the haters come out, let me explain why I’m telling you this. I’m not bragging that I was in the Sunshine State while most of you reading this were in the Arctic Freeze Zone. It’s just that I had this realization. It’s this. Perspective matters.
In fact, perspective is everything. Let me explain.
While the Northeast (and much of the rest of the country for that matter) was experiencing frigid and in many cases sub-zero weather conditions, in Florida it was frigid as well. The only difference is that frigid to Floridians and frigid to the most everyone else is totally different. It’s all in your perspective. Several days, we awoke to temperatures in the mid 50’s and only climbing to 65 for a high. Our reaction? “It’s cold this morning”. But then as I checked the temperature back in South Jersey for late this week I saw temperatures predicted in the upper 50’s and my reaction? “Wow, it’s going to be warm back home.” How is that? It’s all in your perspective.
Here is my point. How we see things based on our current situation or our location or circumstance has a huge impact on how we view things. It’s all about mindset. If you and I get up in the morning and anticipate doom and gloom based on the circumstances around us or the situation we find ourselves in or for that matter even the weather, we set ourselves up for negativity at every turn. On the contrary, if we don’t allow ourselves to have our attitudes or perspectives impacted by our circumstances, we set a whole different tone for the day.
So, what do we need to do to feed the positive and starve the negative influences in our lives?
It starts with pursuing a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset looks at the situation we find in front of us, buying into the negativity and accompanying mentality that it brings with it. Whereas having a growth mindset looks at every situation and scenario as an opportunity to learn, grow and look for the positive.
Carol S. Dweck said, “When there’s a setback, someone with a fixed mindset will start thinking, ‘Maybe I don’t have what it takes?’ They may get defensive and give up. A hallmark of a successful person is that they persist in the face of obstacle, and often, these obstacles are blessings in disguise.”
The next time you become overwhelmed by your situation or the circumstances that surround you, check your perspective and consider a mindset adjustment.
Jeff Whitaker is a lifelong communicator and storyteller. He is a certified trainer, coach and speaker with The John Maxwell Team. Jeff’s goal is to encourage excellence in individuals and corporations through leadership and communications training. Connect with him at jeffwhitaker.com, through The Jeff Whitaker Company on Facebook or @jeffwhitaker on Twitter.
