Written by: Mindy Schrager, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In speaking with a friend recently, we started a conversation about changing how we view things. It reminded me of my love of kaleidoscopes which with a slight shift create new shapes and colors, giving you an entirely new view. What if we were to use a conceptual kaleidoscope and change our perspective?
Consider these 4 approaches to shifting your viewpoint.
1. Find a different meaning
There is a saying that we are meaning-making machines. When we have an experience, we make it mean something about us and the world around us. Oftentimes, the meaning we create is negative or disempowering. However, we can create many different meanings in any given circumstance. Consider a situation where a parent tells a child they did something incorrectly in front of others. The child could make it mean ‒ “there’s something wrong with me,” “I’m stupid” or “my parent is mean.” Or they could create a more empowering meaning like – “my parent wants me to learn,” “I can do better next time,” or “feedback can be helpful.”
2. Step into someone else’s shoes
Sometimes, we get stuck in our viewpoint ‒ the meaning we have assigned to an incident ‒ and cannot see any possibility for something different. In such a situation, think about working with the concept of “walking in someone else’s shoes.” If you had an interaction with someone and cannot understand how they responded in the way that they did, step outside of yourself and become an objective observer. What would someone not personally involved see in the situation? Then step into the place of the person you were interacting with. What new insights did you see and what did it shift for you?
3. Look for the good, the gold, the gift
If you have difficulty looking at something from another person’s point of view, then step back and consider looking at the good or lesson that comes from that situation. While sometimes it can be challenging to see the good in what you see as a negative situation, consider what you gained. For instance, a situation in which you were belittled or bullied might have taught you to be more resilient or more courageous. It may take time so be patient with yourself. It took years for me to recognize that the gift in being bullied in school turned into a love of collaboration and teamwork, of valuing diversity of cultures and people, and a focus on bringing groups of people together both in my personal and professional life.
4. Change the energy
When you are triggered or stuck in a perspective, and cannot find anything good about it, find a way to shift the energy. This could be as simple as taking a step back, either physically or in your mind’s eye. Enhance the step back, by also taking a breath to create a multi-sensory shift. You could use your breath and breathe out what no longer serves you, and breathe in something better than that. For instance, you could breathe out fear or frustration, and breathe in peace. Other options include going for a walk, talking to someone neutral, or using an approach that has worked to change your energy or emotional state before.
How else might a turn of a kaleidoscope help you change your perspective?
© 2022 Systems of Change, LLC
Mindy Schrager, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mindy Schrager is an ICF PCC credentialed coach, Systemic Facilitator, Aura-Soma practitioner and founder of Systems of Change, LLC. Mindy’s focus on and passion for transformational work is built on years of experience creating strong, well-balanced teams, combined with a powerful personal discovery journey. Her experience and training have been focused on creating positive change in life and business experiences working with individuals and groups. Mindy loves to shine a light on hidden patterns and the root cause of dysfunction and then help create new pathways to growth.
