Perspective resetting is a powerful skill you’ll use many times throughout your life. It’s like hitting the ‘refresh’ button on your thoughts and attitudes. This technique helps you see daily happenings in a new light, giving you greater clarity and focus and positively impacting your life.
Often we get stuck in our ways, seeing life from the same old viewpoint. This perspective is limiting and holds us back. When you reset your perspective, you allow yourself to see beyond the immediate problem, focusing on new possibilities. The skill of perspective resetting opens our minds to fresh ideas and different ways of thinking.
Why Reset Your Perspective?
So, why is it good to reset your perspective? It allows you to break free from old habits, limiting beliefs and negative thinking that may not serve you well. It allows you to reassess your beliefs and attitudes and make positive changes in your life allowing you to develop stronger coping skills.
Take Ingrid, for example; she was married to the love of her life for 17 years when her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. At the time, Ingrid and her husband owned and operated a busy retail business. Both of them were working directors. Ingrid was the customer service manager, and chief financial officer, while her husband managed the employees, workshop and quoting for the business.
Working together drove the couple to succeed, as did their passion to achieve more and grow and develop their business. While the cancer diagnosis shocked them both, being in business together for over 12 years had seen them ride the ups and downs, so the couple had mastered the skill of perspective resetting. This aptitude saw the couple take a negative situation and turn it into a positive.
In this article, we’ll explore why resetting your perspective can be beneficial and how you can do it effectively. We’ll also follow Ingrid’s journey so you can see perspective resetting in action.
Understanding Perspective Resetting
The concept of perspective resetting can have a profound impact on your life. Understanding perspective is vital to building resilience and adapting to life changes with minimal disruption to your lifestyle. It also enables you to better understand yourself and the world around you.
What is Perspective?
Perspective refers to the way you perceive and interpret the world. Your unique experiences, beliefs, values, and emotions shape this interpretation. Each individual possesses their perspective, influenced by various factors such as culture, upbringing, and personal experiences.
Perspective is like looking through a different coloured lens, which enables you to have an alternative view of the world. Different lenses can alter your perception of an object or events and, at times, distort your perception of reality.
The Influence of Perspective
Perspective significantly influences how you make sense of the world and interact with others. It affects your thoughts, emotions, judgments, and decisions. Your perspective can determine whether you see a situation as an opportunity or a challenge or as a positive or negative influence.
Consider this example: imagine two people witnessing the same event. One may perceive it as a failure, feeling discouraged and disheartened. On the other hand, the other person may view it as a learning experience, seeing opportunities for growth and improvement. The event has stayed the same; their perspectives shape their reactions and actions.
Perspective also plays a crucial role in your relationships. Understanding that others have their perspectives fosters empathy and compassion. It allows you to appreciate different viewpoints, leading to better communication and collaboration.
How Did Perspective Influence Ingrid?
Ingrid and her husband, for instance, were told at the same time by the doctor of the cancer diagnosis.
When asked about her initial response to the cancer diagnosis, Ingrid said, “I remember sitting in the doctor’s office after my husband had tests. The doctor told us that my husband had Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and that he’d need to see a specialist. Then the doctor started to write out a referral.”
“My husband and I sat there looking at each other for a moment or two with this confused expression. He was bewildered, so I asked the doctor some questions. The doctor responded to all of them with, ‘You’ll have to ask the specialist.’ I wanted more, so I Googled Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. What I found made me gasp. Both the doctor and my husband looked at me. My husband appeared concerned, the doctor alarmed, like a child caught out. Then the doctor hurriedly gave us the referral and ushered us out of his office.”
This situation highlights three perspectives—Ingrid is open to learning and wanting to be well informed. Her husband is worried—the doctor wants to avoid confrontation.
How Perspective Shapes Our Reality
How you interpret information shapes your perspective of a situation and constructs your reality. Your perspective influences how you assign meaning to events, people, and situations. What you perceive as truth may vary from someone else. Therefore, perspective varies from person-to-person, based on their unique beliefs and attitudes.
Consider an analogy: imagine looking at an abstract painting like the one above. Depending on your perspective, you may focus on the shades of pinks and golds and interpret the artwork as depicting serenity. In contrast, the person standing next to you looking at the artwork may focus on the pointed and angular shapes and the lines to interpret the painting as depicting conflict, turmoil and imprisonment.
By recognising and harnessing the power of perspective, you can expand your understanding of the world and yourself. By being open to embracing different perspectives, you allow yourself to challenge assumptions and broaden your horizon.
Perspective Evolves and Grows With You
Remember, perspective shifts and is a dynamic and evolving aspect of your life. It is worth continually exploring and questioning, as it allows you to grow and evolve as individuals.
For instance, Ingrid’s husband was scared about his diagnosis, and he couldn’t think clearly after the doctor told him he a serious illness. He had to wait for a specialist and didn’t know what to do. Ingrid, on the other hand, wanted to know all about her husband’s cancer and how she could help him, so she dove into research when they got home from the doctor’s office.
“We booked the specialist appointment when we got home, and then my husband and I sat down and did some more research. We chatted openly about what we’d discovered and how we’d deal with it,” said Ingrid.
“Neither of us realised at the time the extent of his cancer and how much of an impact it would have on our lives. But by finding out more and being well-informed, we could take it one day at a time and focus on the positives—his cancer diagnosis was early, and research suggested that surgery and HIPEC chemotherapy gave him the best and longest chance of survival. This information made us happy, and we continued life as usual while waiting to hear more from the specialist.”
“My husband has told me repeatedly since his recovery from cancer—he’s been in remission for 3-years now—that if it weren’t for me and my positivity, he doubts he would have made it.”
Benefits of Perspective Resetting
Regarding personal growth and self-improvement, perspective resetting can be a powerful tool. By taking a step back and looking at events from a new angle, you can gain fresh insights, enhance problem-solving skills, build empathy and understanding, cultivate gratitude, and foster personal growth. Let’s explore each of these benefits in more detail:
Gaining Fresh Insights
Resetting your perspective allows you to see things in a new light. It helps you break free from preconceived ideals and opens your mind to possibilities. You can approach situations with a renewed sense of creativity and innovation by gaining fresh insights. This openness can lead to breakthrough concepts and solutions previously overlooked.
Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills
When you reset your perspective, you challenge your existing problem-solving methods. By viewing challenges from different angles, you expand your problem-solving toolkit. This aptitude allows you to approach challenges flexibly and find practical solutions more efficiently. Enhancing your problem-solving skills can positively and professionally impact various aspects of your life.
Building Empathy and Understanding
Resetting your perspective helps you develop empathy and understanding towards others. By stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes, you can gain a deeper appreciation for their experiences and emotions. This empathy strengthens your relationships and broadens your worldview, making you more tolerant and compassionate.
Cultivating Gratitude
A perspective reset reminds you of the things you may have taken for granted. You cultivate gratitude by shifting your focus towards what you have rather than your lack. This mindset shift allows you to appreciate the simple joys in life and find contentment in the present moment. Cultivating gratitude can have a profound impact on your overall well-being and happiness.
Fostering Personal Growth
Perspective resetting is a catalyst for personal growth. It encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, enabling you to identify areas for improvement and take necessary steps towards self-development. By continuously resetting your perspective, you create a habit of self-growth that propels you towards becoming the best version of yourself.
Methods for Resetting Perspective
Mastering how to reset your perspective takes time and practice. Initially, stepping outside your usual mindset, exploring new insights, challenging your assumptions, and approaching situations with fresh and open eyes may feel awkward. Let’s explore some practical methods for resetting perspective:
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present at the moment without judgment. By focusing on the here and now, you can let go of preconceived notions and see things as they are. Take a few minutes daily to meditate or pay attention to your surroundings without distraction.
Seeking Different Perspectives
One way to reset your perspective is by seeking out different viewpoints. Engage in conversations with people who have different backgrounds or beliefs than you. Listen actively, ask questions, and try to understand their point of view. This approach can broaden your perspective and challenge your own biases.
Reflecting on Past Experiences
Reflecting on past experiences allows you to gain valuable insights and learn from mistakes. Take the time to analyse situations that didn’t go as planned and consider what you could have done differently. By examining your past actions, you can identify patterns and make more informed decisions in the future.
Engaging in New Experiences
Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new experiences can provide a fresh perspective. Whether it’s travelling to a new destination, learning a new skill, or participating in a new hobby, exposing yourself to unfamiliar situations can open your mind to different ways of thinking and help you see the world from a new angle.
Challenging Assumptions and Beliefs
We all have assumptions and beliefs that shape our perspective. However, it’s important to challenge them from time to time. Ask yourself why you hold certain beliefs and if they are solid evidence-based, or inherited from others. This self-reflection can help you overcome limiting beliefs and embrace a more open-minded approach.
It’s healthy to challenge old perceptions if only to confirm your views. For example, you may dislike soccer due to bullying at soccer practice as a child. But at a family gathering, you’re invited to play soccer with your nephews and nieces. You have mixed feelings but decide to join in rather than reject them outright. By joining the game, you allow yourself to enjoy the sport and challenge your beliefs, helping you see it in a new light. This willingness to try is perspective resetting as you are open to change and healthier outcomes.
Consider The Values You Wish To Bring With You
In life, it’s good to simplify experiences from time to time. Simplification allows you to reassess what matters the most to you and then invest yourself more deeply in establishing more straightforward habits and removing those that don’t contribute to your life positively. For instance, you might limit your binge-watching television habits because they take you away from spending quality time with your friends. So rather than letting the TV dictate your life, you opt to watch a movie or two each week and go out with your friends twice weekly to catch up and share experiences. It’s healthy to reassess your life and only bring what works for you into your fold.
Remind Yourself Of The Good
Life can seem confronting, especially when you watch the news, follow social media, and encounter relationship issues with family, friends or work colleagues. Reading inspirational quotes is the easiest way to turn a negative situation into a positive one when challenging situations occur. A few kind words, an affirmation, or a mantra can let you reflect, giving you time to reset your perspective.
Mind Matters: Perspective Resetting Benefits Key Takeaways
Resetting your perspective can do wonders for your overall well-being and personal growth. By taking a step back and looking at experiences from a different angle, you can gain new insights, find solutions to problems, and cultivate a more positive mindset.
Key takeaways are:
- One of the benefits of resetting your perspective is that it allows you to break free from negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs. It enables you to see beyond your current circumstances and envision new possibilities for yourself. This shift in mindset can empower you to take action towards your goals and dreams.
- Moreover, perspective resetting can help you improve your relationships. You become more open-minded and empathetic when you approach interactions with a fresh mindset. This approach can enhance your communication skills, deepen your connections with others, and foster greater understanding and harmony in your relationships.
- In addition, a perspective reset can boost your creativity and innovation. By challenging your existing assumptions and exploring new viewpoints, you can unlock your creative potential and come up with fresh ideas. This aptitude can be particularly valuable in professional settings where innovation and problem-solving are highly valued.
- Lastly, resetting your perspective allows you to appreciate the present moment and to find gratitude in your life. It helps you shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. This mindfulness can improve your happiness and well-being as you learn to embrace the positives and let go of unnecessary stress and worry.
When asked about perspective resetting, Ingrid said, “Being there to support my husband through his treatment and recovery from cancer strengthened our relationship. I learned new business management skills when I took on my husband’s role in the business and continued mine, and I learned to problem-solve. I also strengthened my professional relationship with my employees, increased the business turnover, and I feel incredibly grateful and appreciative of my husband and all I have accomplished and accumulated.
In conclusion, resetting your perspective is a powerful tool that can positively change various aspects of your life. By approaching situations with a fresh mindset, you can overcome challenges, improve relationships, boost creativity, and find greater happiness. So, take a moment to reset your perspective and see the transformative impact it can have on your life.
For similar content delivered weekly to your inbox, subscribe to our feed.
InShape News would love to hear from you 🙂
For daily updates on how to lead a happier, healthier lifestyle, follow us on social media: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter
If you’re looking for more on fitness or health and wellness, then visit InShape Online, the Break Through Your Pain Barrier, or the Trixi Club to plan for better, more sustainable health.
InShape News – ‘Live. Life. Healthy. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.’
