Almost everyone has concrete ideas about how they want their life to go and what success means to them. In principle, there is nothing wrong with having clear goals in mind. However, it can quickly happen that you develop a kind of tunnel vision. This can lead to stagnation and thus impair your personal and professional happiness.
What can help in this case is a change of perspective. However, looking at things from a new perspective is sometimes easier said than done. In the following, we would like to give you a few tips on how you can succeed.
As the name suggests, a change of perspective means looking at a particular situation from a different perspective and ultimately reassessing it. To achieve this, a certain emotional distance from the situation in question is necessary. This is what makes the change of perspective difficult.
An important keyword in this context is the selective perception. Understanding that in many respects there is no ultimate truth is the first step in successfully changing perspective. Let's look at a simple and frequently cited example:
All three perspectives correspond to the truth. However, it is your decision which of the three perspectives you want to take.
If you notice that your thoughts are going in circles and you are not getting anywhere with a certain problem, a change of perspective can be helpful. Taking on a new perspective helps you find new ideas and approaches to solving problems. This applies equally to all areas of life - whether it's a relationship problem or Job dissatisfaction.
Interesting to know: The ability to change perspective also increases your social skills. This is according to a Investigation by the Max Planck Society out.
As you now know, a new perspective can be helpful in almost all problematic situations in life. The following tips should help you to successfully implement the change of perspective:
"Why does this have to happen to me of all people?" In difficult situations in life, we often struggle with our fate. However, the big question of "why" is not constructive at all, but only prevents you from looking at the problem from a new perspective.
Instead of "Why?" your question should be, "What was that good for now?" In this way, you will gain the necessary emotional distance from the situation and focus your thoughts on the future.
The Raikov method is also known as the "borrowed genius method". You think of a person you admire and/or who has accomplished what you want to accomplish. Try to take this person's point of view: How would she view your situation? How would they act in your situation?
It sounds simple, but it's very effective: leave the office or apartment and walk around the block. If this is not possible, then at least leave the room. In a different environment, it will be easier for you to look at the problem from a new perspective.
Don't worry, of course we don't require you to actually stand on your head! The headstand method is a proven creative technique that is closely related to brainstorming. To do this, you imagine the worst-case scenario. This may sound unpleasant, but you force an effective change of perspective in this way.
The external reflection is closely related to the Raikov method. The difference is that you do not take the perspective of a genius, but the perspective of real people from your life environment:
Entrenched beliefs and internal blockades is a major challenge. In order to adopt a new perspective, external impulses are sometimes needed. This can take the form of professional coaching, for example. The coach shows you individual ways that support you in changing your perspective step by step.
A proven technique that is also used in the field of psychology is the so-called mirroring. Here, your (subconscious) behaviors and beliefs are brought to your attention, giving you the opportunity to question them. Many coaches also work with so-called reflection questions.
Of course, there are other possibilities within the framework of coaching. However, the specific methods used can vary from client to client. In order to achieve the desired success, a relationship of trust between you and your coach is crucial.
"You can never solve problems with the same mindset that created them." This quote comes from Albert Einstein and clearly expresses why a change of perspective is so difficult for us. Most people are downright trapped in their beliefs: What used to work and what they think is right must always work.
Routine and time-tested techniques provide security, but limit the ability to open for new experiences. This phenomenon is surprisingly common among top managers. Those who climb the career ladder successful sometimes it is hard to imagine that other approaches can lead to success. Keyword: overconfidence and overconfidence.
Furthermore, a change of perspective is an exhausting process that requires the willingness to Leaving the personal comfort zone requires. This means letting go of cherished beliefs - especially about oneself. With this, even painful realizations can connected be
A change of perspective is a process that cannot be completed overnight. Ideally, you should proceed step by step.
In order to successfully change perspective, you need to acceptthat your personal views do not represent the ultimate truth. Other views and methods also have their justification.
Example: You are of the opinion that you only have a chance of a successful career if you have completed your studies. Your younger colleague, however, thinks that talent and social skills are more important.
Clinging to the tried and true is comfortable. But what if your old strategies don't work for your current problem? In this case, you should also think about unconventional solutions.
Example: You've always blamed your partner for relationship problems and withdrawn. Now you are starting to deal with your own mistakes and put yourself in the other person's shoes. You seek out conversation and listen to your partner's opinion, even when it gets uncomfortable.
Be open to new methods for Problem solution. Exchange ideas with other people and let yourself be inspired. Play through the various scenarios in your head, even if you don't (yet) have believethat you could put them into practice.
Once you have successfully changed your perspective, the next step is to implement the newly gained knowledge. Dare to address the problem or actually try out the new solution.
Example: You've always avoided going to the pool because you're ashamed of your figure. Now you're looking at the problem from a new angle and have realized that other people probably don't even notice your supposed flaw. You now specifically go into the situation that you have always avoided.
There are many advantages to changing your perspective. So it's worth making the effort. Taking a new perspective not only helps you find solutions to difficult problems, but also makes you more empathetic and tolerant. After all, changing your perspective means putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
You gain the insight that different views have their justification. How dramatic a problem actually is is often just a question of how you view and approach it. A change of perspective can therefore help you to achieve more serenity and greater success in every area of life.
