Running a mountain ridge provides numerous benefits: crisp, fresh air, endless space out over the ocean to the south and out over rugged smokey mountain ranges to the north, a place where one’s thoughts can flow uninterrupted, and on special outings, a bonus opportunity to share a gentle gallop alongside a herd of deer.
Each running adventure often culminates with a mystery solved or a personal conflict reconciled, in a new awareness and applicable resolution. On this recent ascent, I was dangerously passed by a novice driver testing his (lack of) racing skills. At that moment the speeding vehicle was close, big, threatening, and had I had not changed my path, this could have been a very different present outcome.
But time and distance moved on and as I glanced back down the road along the ridge, the once threatening vehicle was now miniscule. What changed? Perspective.
My Dad taught me the fundamentals of perspective in architecture and drafting, in photography and art. Perspective, he would say, is a matter of viewpoint; your own, and aligning with the points you view, near and far. Perspective, he would add, determines space. Perspective creates time and futures. Size and importance would then be relative to one’s own viewpoint.
So, applying perspective to business can similarly allow us to create our own futures, to decide what’s truly important, our own viewpoints, chosen goals and so much more that so often can get lost without perspective. Does the challenge of the day seem overwhelming, like the car racing closely by me on the mountain? Take a step back, consider a new perspective on the situation. Align your points of view – both literally and figuratively. Throw away those that don’t truly align. The challenges will miraculously diminish. The problem will seem smaller in comparison and you will be free of the overwhelm, able to create and continue to grow.
Your perspective will determine your success. Your happiness. Your peace. Respect it. And remember to consider other’s perspectives too.
The world will be better.
– Gillian