July, 2002
Volume 5, Issue 5

Keeping Perspective

Just coming off a four-day weekend provided me with a keen reminder on perspective. I’d had all these grand ideas of all the tasks I’d get accomplished, AND all the social activities in which I’d engage, AND all the relaxing I’d do.

Didn’t happen. I got some of it done. Good enough. What I really got was perspective, by taking four days away from work.

I saw a big bull elk in the moonlight in my front yard, with millions of stars behind him. I supported a friend at the funeral of his mother. I watched a couple of movies that made me ask myself what I really believe in. I spent warm, happy time with friends. I talked to my parents twice. I cuddled with my dogs. I met new people on Thanksgiving. I remembered what it’s like to do a command performance on my trumpet. I got a painful reminder of how important my health is.

There’s just no way to do the same things in the same way on a regular basis and to have clear perspective. Try one or all of these steps to add new dimensions to your perception:

1. Go away – physically - for an afternoon, day, weekend or year
2. Do things differently
3. Ask an outsider for his/her perspective
4. Do something you’ve never done before

Let’s take a look at each of these...

Going away is the most graphic way to gain perspective – if you’re somewhere else, you can more clearly see where you’ve been. When I’m in my daily routine, part of my brain switches to Autopilot – I know where the tea is, where to park, and what to expect. When I go away, I have to pay attention. And I see how things are different (better, worse or just different) from my place in Durango.

Doing things differently can be subtle or dramatic changes. Maybe you are usually quick to voice your opinion – try just listening, even if you have to bite your tongue. If asked for your opinion, hedge. Notice how your perspective changes on how a decision unfolds, and how others’ perception of you might change.

Asking an outsider for perspective requires trust, both in the asking and in hearing the response. This is one of the key benefits I provide as a coach for my clients. I can provide feedback with no agenda, and I know the person asking for the feedback quite well. Regardless of how well we know ourselves, others’ perceptions of us are rarely exactly the same as our own. Emotions color our perspective. It can be incredibly helpful to see the same photo in black and white, sepia, and color.

Doing something you’ve never done before will show you all kinds of new things about yourself. You’ll find out how you feel about being a neophyte, your fears about “looking good,” how you deal with being out of your comfort zone, your willingness to try new things and your faith in someone’s instruction. Trying new things doesn’t have to be radical, though it can be. You could go someplace new for the weekend, take an art class, or write a Letter to the Editor. You could go skydiving, take piano lessons or try some new, outlandish food. Enjoy the experience for itself, but don’t miss what it teaches you about you. Typically anyone can do.

Typically anyone can do at least one these steps. Even when you feel like you don’t need a new perspective, do it anyway – that’s often when you need it most.

What will you gain?

• You’ll get new ideas
• You’ll remember what’s really important to you – your values.
• You’ll better understand what needs are driving you.
• You’ll be more productive
• v You’ll be happier, and excited by new possibilities

Let me know how it works out for you.

Catch-up and Updates

At right is a photo of one of the triumphant participants at the Breaking Through Limits Workshop held last month at Tamarron Resort. Just think, it could be you jumping off that tree to grab the trapeze!

I will not be taking coaching appointments December 20-January 5. Please call to ensure your sessions get scheduled before and after those dates.

Enjoy the holidays!

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Reach Me: Telephone: (970) 259-4847; Fax: (970) 259-4874
E-mail: ginger@magellangj.com
Web: www.magellangj.com

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