Do you have it? Peak performers possess it, coaches strive to instill it, and exceptional leaders separate themselves with it. Study stories of incredible accomplishment and lasting impact and you find it is the thread that weaves them together. It pushes through insurmountable obstacles, regains fleeting focus, pushes aside discouragement and disappointment, and inspires the energy to encourage and lead. If you covet it, develop it and practice it you will unlock hidden potential and discover greater joy and peace in every aspect of your life.
Epictetus first uttered it in 50 A. D. A Greek philosopher Epictetus rose to prominence in spite of overwhelming obstacles and challenges. He said, “It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters” and introduced the world to the tool of perspective.
We are blessed with the greatest of all human freedoms which is choice. We do not get to choose how life will unfold and what we may face along our path but we do get to choose how we will respond. If there is one thing life guarantees us is that our path will be filled with obstacles, challenges and disappointments. Every one of which presents a choice. How you choose to respond reflects your perspective. Your perspective determines the quality of your life and whether you will have lasting or fleeting impact on the people and situations you encounter along the way.
E. Stanley Jones wrote 30 books selling millions of copies, was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and Martin Luther King Jr. identified Jones’ writings as a major influence in his life. Jones wrote, “Everybody eventually surrenders to something or someone. You are free to choose what you surrender to but you are not free from the consequences of that choice.” Perspective is the ability to choose a response to the obstacles, challenges and disappointments that present themselves and declare they will not have the final word!
If you covet perspective, develop it, and practice it you will unlock the potential within you to impact a world that desperately needs the gift of your skills and talents.
Here are a few ideas to help you develop perspective.
- Know what is important! Prioritize the roles you play in your life and honor them.
- Develop vision! Look for new and fresh ways of looking at old issues.
- Build your motivation/inspiration network. Read and listen to books and music that inspire you. Hang out with people who have optimistic outlooks.
- Anticipate obstacles. Constantly ask yourself what could go wrong so you are prepared before it happens.
You cannot choose all the circumstances in your life. But when the obstacles, challenges and disappointments present themselves, lean into them with perspective. Choose not to let them have the final word! Turn them into opportunities to learn, to grow and move on with resolve to have a positive impact on the people and situations in your life.
Keep your eye on where you are going. “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” - C. S. Lewis
Can you share a story where your perspective made the difference?