Harness the Power to Change Your Perspective
Welcome to 2021. So far it feels a great deal like 2020. The Coronavirus is still a threat to our way of life, and while the vaccine has arrived, the rollout can best be described as uneven. At the same time, the issues relating to social justice, insurrection, and political change remain top of mind to all of us.
As I think about all that is going on with me and around me the words of Viktor Frankl, the author of Man’s Search for Meaning. have resonated now more than ever.
Frankl wrote: “Everything can be taken from an individual but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. “ He goes on to add “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
I derive great strength around the Superpower we all possess — The Power of Choice. Yes, one can argue that social, economic, and political forces impact the ranges of choices we may have, but we do have the ability to challenge ourselves to consider, thinking and reacting differently to the world around us.
I am a photographer. Photography is primarily about two things: 1) connecting with your subject and exploring that subject using a variety of angles; and 2) examining the subject through multiple lenses. It is all about looking at things from multiple perspectives, adapting, reacting, and ultimately thinking and responding differently.
Perspectives can Change Everything
My focus as a coach is supporting the growth of my clients as they balance work and family, in their journey towards becoming the best possible version of themselves. I brand myself as a Thinking Partner as I believe that people get better answers for themselves when they ask better more thoughtful questions. Seeing all sides of the issue, challenge or opportunity increases our understanding of the angles of the situation in front of us. That insight informs our response.
My focus as a coach is supporting the growth of my clients as they balance work and family, in their journey towards becoming the best possible version of themselves. I brand myself as a Thinking Partner as I believe that people get better answers for themselves when they ask better more thoughtful questions. Seeing all sides of the issue, challenge or opportunity increases our understanding of the angles of the situation in front of us. That insight informs our response.
As it relates to political and social issues I have a suggestion. You may not feel comfortable engaging others in direct conversation as a means of learning and exploring more, but you can begin by looking at where they get their information, their cable networks of choice, posts on social media, and looking at editorials and sources of news outside your comfort zone. This is an adaptation of an approach I used in getting to know my clients.
When we could meet in their offices, I would look at the pictures around me, the mementos in the room, and the books on their shelves, to get a sense of who they are and how they might think. With more information, we can then begin to challenge our old assumptions and engage in empathetic discussions to deepen our awareness and understanding.
What about you?
When it gets back to the subject of managing your career, it comes down to evaluating your situation and choosing your response to it. It all begins by finding a quiet, safe and relaxed space to think objectively about where you are and how you embrace the possibilities. You may be content — and that is great — but aren’t you the least bit curious about what else may be out there as so many things are being reshaped around us?
What new opportunities exist to change how and where I work in a virtual world? Where here do I take my business to explore new products and customers? Maybe you are feeling the pressure and anxiety of having lost a job, living on a lower salary or simply have grown tired of having to work more and more and not be recognized for it.
What is your response to your situation? What questions should you be asking yourself to formulate the action plan? These are the questions I have been asking myself, my clients have been asking themselves and my colleagues in the coaching community have been asking each other.
Yes, 2021 has started out messy. The reality is, life is messy. All we can control is our response to it. Be open to exploring new ideas, ask better or different questions and sharpen your focus on what is possible. I guarantee that you will find whole new opportunities open before you.
Let’s start a conversation.
