Seeing Things Differently: The Key to Unlocking Achievements

Have you ever wondered what hidden opportunities and achievements might be revealed if you could see your world from a different perspective? Imagine the problems you could overcome, solutions you could find or new opportunities that would open up? We often try hard to think differently, but we don’t always succeed because of our hard-wiring and how we habitually function. Nevertheless. there are many ways to start training ourselves to see things differently. Additionally, we can shift our thinking and our mindsets. First, let’s first look at why this is so important, and, then, check out how we can boost our achievements by seeing things differently.

Our success and achievements are constrained by how our brains process information

First, changing our perspective is important because of the way we are programmed. When I studied NLP, (Neuro Linguistic Programming), we were told that we only perceive around 5% to 10% of the world around us. A tiny amount! Our brains filter information –  delete, distort and generalise – to manage the vast amount of sensory input we encounter every second of our lives. Moreover, we filter information according to our experiences, knowledge, beliefs and patterns. In other words, we only see what we already know and believe. This creates numerous biases in how we view things.

It’s like being in a dark room with only a small candle

Without awareness of the importance of shifting perspectives, it’s akin to being in a dark room with only a candle. You have limited vision. However, when someone turns on the light, what you see expands from the limited radius of a candle flame to the entire room lighting up. You now see many things in the 90-95% of information you typical overlook. These moments of new awareness, insights, or ‘aha’ moments, help to inspire and raise your energy. Importantly, they help fuel new and better achievements. It’s like being in a candy store with all the jars sealed bar one. Suddenly, when the jars were opened, what a feast.

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Wayne Dyer

Questioning our beliefs and biases is the first and obvious solution to boost achievements

It’s important to question our long-held beliefs. First, they limit how we view the world, and second, to avoid some of our 150 biases we have. Furthermore, both of these hinder growth and stunt achievements. Indeed, clearing our old beliefs must become a lifelong habit. Keeping open-minded, questioning our assumptions and doing our best to be judgement free. Not always easy, but important to cultivate this skill. Moreover, many of our beliefs we are running today were picked up before we were nine years old. A scary thought. It’s like running years old software and expecting it to what an updated version would do.

Five Ways to Change Your Perspective

Talk to New People or Brainstorm Ideas

Last weekend, I attended a conference and also presented a session on ‘Elevating Excellence.’ Mixing with like-minded people and talking to people from different industries and with various skills, was awesome. It’s a great opportunity to learn. Moreover, during a mastermind session, we each brought a challenge to our group and had fifteen minutes to share. Listening attentively without interrupting is a great way to notice things you overlook or had never thought about. Finally, we shared insights from our groups with the larger group, which created more insights and new paths to achievements.

Adopt De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats Method.

Many years ago, I read the classic book by Edward De Bono, ‘Six Thinking Hats.’ Briefly, you discuss a topic or problem from the perspective of the six ‘hats’ — logical, emotional, creative, cautious, optimistic, and managerial.

This method provides a structured approach that promotes both focused and lateral thinking, while also minimising bias. It also saves a heap of time, waffle and hot air in meetings!

“You cannot dig a hole in a different place by digging the same hole deeper.” Edward De Bono

Travel or Change Your Environment for Insights and Achievements

Physically changing your surroundings can stimulate your brain and offer new viewpoints. If you are like me, you probably don’t get your best ideas sitting or standing at a desk, do you? Being in nature, travelling, or experiencing a new environment help us see things differently and inspires new ideas. Moreover, new ideas allow us to innovate, adapt and foster achievements. Being in nature causes our brains to move from foveal vision, focusing on our problems, into expanded awareness. Here, we are more at peace and connect better with ourselves. Moreover, our brain produces alpha waves similar to when we meditate, and helps us connect with something bigger than us.

Reflection and Mindfulness.

Reflection is a brilliant way to pause, step back and view situations more objectively. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, also help clear your mind and allow space for new perspectives. I teach simple, yet powerful techniques to help achieve both of these. Reflection comes in the form of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual questions and review. To practice a simple mindfulness technique, begin with two-minutes of conscious breathing. Ensure the in and out breath are even as it will help you relax the nervous system and give the executive part of your brain a rest. Here, you are able to see things differently. The ultimate key to more achievements.

Spatial Distancing

This is a technique I use and teach frequently uses spatial distancing. This is brilliant for removing yourself from negative thinking or ineffective ruminating. We have the ability to mentally “step outside” of ourselves, visualise and view ourselves from different physical vantage points. Try stepping out into the future having solved the problem, and looking back.

Or, imagine looking at yourself from a distance, and asking ‘What would she/he do here?’ Mental rehearsal is an important technique used by athletes to visualise and improve their performance. Furthermore, championing ourselves and being our best supporter is also key to overcoming negative thinking.

Next time you are looking for new ideas, solutions or answers to challenging problems, remember to use one or more of the above. Create a habit of thinking deeper, and master this skill. And, please let me know which technique you found helpful. Indeed, please share any technique you use. I would love to hear from you.  Finally, do reach out if you are ready to create more and be more in your life.

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