rich minds, rich rewards

Look at It This Way

By Valorie Burton
Author and Motivational Speaker

CBNMoney.com – Sometimes all you need to do to get yourself out of a rut is to look at things from a different perspective. What challenge is causing you stress? What dilemma has you stumped for a solution? What issue has caused you a bit of frustration lately? This week, I want to challenge you to step out of your routine way of looking at things and consider a new, healthier perspective.

Whether you’ve downsized a dream and need a new perspective that helps you “raise the bar” a bit, or you’re being too hard on yourself and you need to lighten up, changing your perspective may be just what you need right now. Here are a few ways to do just that:

Step away from the situation – literally.
Sometimes, you just need to take a take a walk or even get away for a vacation. Being in a different environment changes your physical perspective, which often leads to a change in mental perspective. So take a break from working on your challenge – and spend some time focused on something else entirely.

Talk to a wise friend and get their perspective.
Because we are often so close to the challenges we face, it can be helpful to ask someone else to share their perspective on a matter. This opens your mind to new options and ways of thinking.

Acknowledge your own progress.
Sometimes the problem that frustrates you today is the issue that you would have loved to have had a few years ago. So your child is stressing you out – don’t forget to take a moment to be grateful for the gift of family. Perhaps work is hectic right now, but at one point, your aim was to land this job. More opportunity can stretch you, but being stretched can be a good thing when you grow from it.

Consider this question: What lesson does this offer me and what will I do differently next time as a result?

Ask, “What’s my vision for this area of my life?”
Sometimes, you can be so focused on the issue at your feet that you forget to look up at the long-term vision. It’s called “not seeing the forest for the trees.” Keep your eye on the vision.

Imagine God’s perspective on the matter.
If you sat down with Him for a cup of coffee this morning, what do you think He would tell you?

My challenge to you this week:

Look at your life from a different perspective. Do something specifically to help you gain a perspective that moves you forward.

Journaling assignment:

In what ways am I stuck in my thinking? What action could help me gain a healthier perspective? What friend might have a perspective to share that I haven’t considered?

A sought-after life coach and speaker, Valorie Burton seeks to inspire people to live more fulfilling, less stressful lives. She is the author of Listen to Your Life, What’s Really Holding You Back?, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, and her latest, Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic Confidence.