How is it that some people are successful against all odds while others flounder with little or no success even though they have every advantage? Many people would say hard work and that’s sure part of it. But there’s another element in the relentless pursuit of a vision, goal, or cause.
The ability to choose perspective.
Beauty is in how you frame the picture – where you focus and what you ignore.
That might sound silly but it’s true. Think for a moment about photographers; great photographers capture beauty in horrible conditions by carefully framing their shots. And in the same way we can see the world and our situations differently based on how we look at things. We can see the world as it is, yet full of possibilities. Or we can see it as full of difficulties. The choice is ours.
If we see only opportunity and adventure, obstacles become challenges to overcome. On the other hand, if we see adversity and difficulty, we see no opportunities.
“Why is that important? you ask.
Actions are driven by perspective.
If we see opportunity, we pursue it. If we see hardship, we avoid it. It’s that simple.
Choosing our focus, though, is not easy. It’s emotional work because we have to be real with ourselves, acknowledge our fears, and choose our courses. And I mean choose.
How can we choose our perspectives?
First, I’m not talking about painting daisies where there are none. I don’t mean that we should bury our collective heads in the sand and ignore reality. Rather, we ought focus on what’s most important.
It starts with looking at the larger context. What’s going on right now in my “world?” Where have I come from? Where am I going? What else is going on in the world?
Then, look for inspiration. What have I alrady overcome? Why do you want to achieve your goal? What’s it worth to you?
Finally, look for a path. What obstacles are between you and your goal? Where are the opportunities? How can you use the opportunities to get around, over, under, or through the obstacles.
How about you?
How do you frame the picture?
Photo credit: j_bary
