Whether you’re dealing with a personal crisis or feeling stressed, it’s important that you’re able to put things into perspective. While this does not mean that you should minimize or otherwise try to ignore your problems, assessing the wider picture is useful when it comes to dealing with any emotional turmoil and when working towards a quick solution. However, changing your perspective is not always easy – and it can be hard to stop negative thoughts and feelings from worsening once they have already taken root in their mind.
With that in mind, here are some easy ways in which you can begin to change your perspective when things get tough.
Think about the wider picture.
It’s easy to let even the smallest of issues or problems interrupt our entire day. After all, we don’t often plan for things to go wrong – meaning that when they do, it can feel as the worst possible thing has happened. As a result, it is important that you are always able to put things in perspective by thinking about the wider picture. For example, you should think carefully about how much of a lasting impact this situation will have upon you. Will you still be dealing with the effects in a week? A month? A year? If the situation is clearly not permanent in any way, this can help you realize the importance of not sweating the small stuff – as you realize the ‘giant’ problem is not so big after all.
Keep an eye out for positive inspiration.
It can be hard to break out of a negative mindset on your own. As a result, you must keep an eye out for inspiration that can lift your mood and provide you with hope and guidance moving forward. For example, this could include researching peaceful grace quotes sayings and later displaying them in your home. For example, if you choose to display a peaceful quote above your bed, it will be one of the first things you see each morning. This, as a result, can have a positive impact on your mindset for the day.
Listen to others.
Another easy and straightforward way in which we can begin to put things in perspective is by listening to those around us. For example, asking a friend or family member for advice could help you resolve a problem much quicker, as they may be able to observe it from a more impartial angle. This is because they will be able to apply their own perspective to the situation, which may differ from yours considerably.
Try to give back.
Whether you are dealing with a busy home life or a hectic work schedule, it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives without giving much thought to others. However, giving back to others by volunteering or working with local charities is a great way to put things in perspective. Seeing the issues that others have to deal with can help you realize that your own problems are not as severe as they may initially seem. It can also provide you with the skills and techniques you need to overcome your own struggles.
Know that it’s okay not to be okay.
Changing your perspective does not mean that you have to become the kind of person that is positive 24/7. This is due to the fact that this person simply does not exist – no matter what social media will have you believe. As a result, while it’s important that you don’t let your problems consume you (i.e, you find an appropriate way to deal with them), it’s equally important to remember that it’s okay not to be okay.
Step away from negativity.
While some issues are unavoidable, we are often guilty of placing ourselves in situations that are inherently negative. For example, we may choose to spend time with people who we know make us unhappy. This could be due to a myriad of reasons – perhaps we feel we have known them too long to cut ties, or we feel as though they could change in the future. However, the more we continue to put ourselves in these situations – the more they will continue to impact our mindset and perspective. This is particularly true if they are the kind of person that seems to seek to drag you down through negative comments. As a result, if you are looking to change your perspective and start taking better care of yourself, it’s important that you cut them off at the source. Instead, focus your time and energy into people who will support you.
Acknowledge your own mistakes.
When your perspectives on a particular situation begin to change (i.e., you begin to view the scenario through another person’s eyes), you may realize that you are actually at fault. For example, you may have engaged in an argument believing you were right, only to realize later that it’s not quite that simple. Whenever this happens, it’s important that you acknowledge your own mistakes and apologize sincerely. While this could be a little embarrassing, it’s essential if you wish to repair your relationship with the other person. Furthermore, holding yourself accountable is the only way in which you can learn and develop – meaning your perspective of the world will only deepen and mature.
Focus on the positives.
There can be something positive to take from every situation – no matter how unlikely that may seem. As a result, if you want to change your outlook on life, it’s important that you begin to look for the positives in each situation, even if they seem rather small. For example, while getting let go from your place of employment is often a cause of great stress and worry – there are a few positive elements to the scenario. It means that you’ll get to start afresh somewhere else, enter a new career entirely and meet new people. It also means that you get to challenge yourself by stepping outside of your comfort zone.
