Why Perspective is EVERYTHING

You can’t change what’s going to happen to you, but you can change how you look at what happens to you.

At the risk of sounding like a “guru” popping up on your IG feed claiming that life gets better with perspective—it’s true. As much as you might want to roll your eyes, they’re not wrong.

Now, there’s often more going on in someone’s situation than just their perspective, and many factors contribute to their success. But from a principle standpoint, perspective is a core thought process that can open the door to more opportunities.

“Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.”
– Dr. Wayne Dyer

What you focus on becomes your reality. The more you dwell on something, the more you lean into that concept or idea. Take stress, for example—it’s universal. We often stress about things beyond our control, allowing anxiety, worry, and nerves to dictate how we feel about future, past, or even current events.

It’s freeing to approach situations by asking:

• What can I control in this moment?

• How can I improve things, if possible?
  And if nothing can be done, feel empathy, but recognize when an uncontrollable situation is taking up space in your mind and holding you back from putting your best attitude—or foot—forward.

Not all stress is warranted. Some stress is necessary and part of life. But if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed more often than not, your mental bandwidth, attitude, and energy may be locked in a cage of your own design.

Here are 5 examples to help give some real-life perspective:

1. You’re tasked with giving a presentation at work.

Your initial thoughts:
“What will people think of me? I’m going to fail. Maybe people won’t be impressed. Will I know what to do?”

Reframe it:
“This task is important, and I’m going to do everything in my power to do my best. That way, no matter the outcome, I know I gave it my all. Everything else is outside of my control.”

2. Life pulls you away from your usual routine.

Your initial thoughts:
“I have so much I need to do when I get home!”

Reframe it:
“How blessed am I to have an event so meaningful that it interrupts my routine. I should embrace this moment and appreciate the change. What I have to do at home isn’t going anywhere. For now, I will be present here.”

3. You drop your favorite coffee mug, and it shatters into pieces.

Your initial thoughts:
“This is so frustrating. I loved that mug!”

Reframe it:
“It’s sad, and I’ll take a moment to acknowledge that. But the mug can’t be fixed, and that’s okay. If I can replace it, I will. If not, I’ll find a new one—and maybe it’ll become my new favorite.”

4. You’re stuck in traffic on the way to an important meeting.

Your initial thoughts:
“I’m going to be late. This is a disaster!”

Reframe it:
“I can’t control the traffic, but I can control how I use this time. Maybe I can mentally prepare for the meeting, listen to a podcast, or even enjoy a few moments of stillness.”

5. You’re learning a new skill and struggling.

Your initial thoughts:
“I’m terrible at this. I’ll never get it right.”

Reframe it:
“Everyone starts as a beginner. Struggling is part of the process, and I’m growing with every attempt. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.”

The way you approach situations can transform how they impact your life. Perspective is powerful. Use it wisely.

With utmost motivation, respect, and gratitude,

James R
A true believer in YOU