(image courtesy of Google.com)
Perspective: the state of one’s ideas, the facts known to one. (definition provided by www.dictionary.com)
Everyone sees the world through their own set of eyes. We don’t all agree on what the best movie is; how society impacts the general population; what the ultimate job or the most exciting hobby is. Two different people living right next door to each other might interpret their neighborhood in opposite fashions–one being content with the environment, and the other possibly despising it. And in these comparisons, I simply point out the fact that despite how similar our situations can be, everyone is different.
Your perspective on things is an influential factor in making up the unique person that you are.
It may motivate you to follow a daily routine and avoid any opportunities for change because you are comfortable exactly the way you are, in your current state. But someone else’s perspective on this sort of lifestyle may lead him or her to embrace a completely different way of life–especially if they anxiously await change and are scared of what they consider to be humdrum monotony.
I have personally begun to see my own life and personal situations in a different light. For the past few months, I was slowly becoming more aware of how much negativity seemed to be creeping in the corners of my mind. I had negative thoughts about myself and my abilities, my job and sometimes even my relationships. After dwelling on these problems and assessing what the possible causes were, I simply realized that I needed to make some changes.
My perspective shifted and I finally realized that instead of accepting my current circumstances–which kept me feeling uneasy and trapped, I needed to make some moves to create a better situation for myself.
This “big change” was largely dependent on me finding a new job. I was neither gaining any sense of fulfillment nor establishing a greater amount of independence through my position as a restaurant manager. Without the resources to improve myself and sustain a happy personal life outside of work, I was losing myself completely because of all of the energy that I had to dedicate to my job–for so little in return. It took a few pounds gained, a huge void in my social life and the realization of my jealousy towards others whose companies offered them more for me to open my eyes to the fact that I was most certainly steering myself down the wrong path; one that was leading me straight into a brick wall of self-destruction.
By shifting my perspective, I was able to focus on the personal traits and characteristics which would guide me towards a more fulfilling and rewarding job; a position that offered the ability to grow–both inside and outside of the workplace. I dug deep for the confidence to go out and search for what it was that I truly wanted: better opportunities.
The struggle to obtain what you want and to make changes is never easy. There were many moments where I felt discouraged and seriously doubted whether it was truly in my power to find something better. But I pushed through those negative thoughts and opted to keep my goals in perspective, realizing that I did not have the option of giving in or giving up on this current goal. And in the end, my perseverance paid off.
Now, after hurdling past so many obstacles, I have found a renewed confidence in myself and in my ability to create change. I realize that you can create your own happiness. You just need to change the way you think, make plans and follow through. (And you also have to be ready to adapt yourself to the plans changing, because not everything always turns out the way that you had originally hoped.)
I am embracing a new way of thinking and the state of my own unique ideas has been somewhat altered. I welcome challenges even more readily than I have in the past, knowing that somehow, I will find a way to succeed. I haven’t always been brave enough to believe that I could come out on top, but now I know better. “Anything is possible.”
So, now I ask you…
How will your perspective encourage you to make changes? Is there a need for you to shift the way you think; the way you interpret your own world?
This ability to change your mindset can be applied to all areas of life.
Do you hate exercising, even though you know that sparing a measly hour for it each day would greatly benefit you? Is there a relationship you have with someone that might be in need of repair or that you might have been neglecting? Or have you simply lost your luster for something that used to bring you great joy? Reassess your desires and your approaches, change your perspective, and embrace the ability that you possess to turn your life around.
