How to Shift Perspective and Create Abundance

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about becoming a successful leader - it’s this: change the way you look at things.

Changing your viewpoint takes you places you never thought you could go, and creating things you never thought you could before.

You ever experience a problem and a colleague comes over with their smug hero and cape, offering the simplest "Why don’t you do it this way instead?"

We’ve all been in that simultaneously frustrating and relieving, "Oh yeah..Why didn’t I think of that?" moment.?

The habit of single-mindedness can have it's place (like fueling discipline and consistency). But when you shift your perspective out of your comfort zone, it creates a world of possibilities and abundance.

If you want to create abundance in your team, your life, your anything. You want to have an open mindset that's willing to shift perspectives. A renewed mindset enhances your own life, your efforts, and how you relate to others.

Here's four insights on how to shift your perspective when it comes to leadership…

You Don't Know What You Don't Know

Abundance tip #1 Challenge what you know…because you don’t know everything.

People once thought the world was flat (well some people still do, but spoiler alert…it’s not). And although the general public understands that the Earth’s round, there’s still so much we don’t know about our universe.

Now apply this idea to your day-to-day. Your brain is clever. It seeks evidence to back up what it already has experienced. It’s what’s known as confirmation bias .?

This clever trick helps you feel safe, because new things…well that’s unknown territory.

While it sounds pretty useful - confirmation bias creates blindspots because it stops you from seeing things from a different perspective.

You might wholeheartedly believe that your way is the right way. Or you just don’t know any different. But the thing is…you’re never going to know everything - because things are always changing, adapting, and updating.

If you believe there’s only one way of doing things, ask yourself:?

Is there anything new I can learn about the subject? I guarantee you the answer is yes. Look into the subject a little further…is there any new research, articles, or a trusted colleague that can broaden your thinking and give you another perspective?

Who works differently from me? The great thing about humans is…they’re unique - and that means everyone has various viewpoints. If you’re really stuck on a problem or your usual method isn’t working - ask the opinion of someone who has a completely different way of thinking.?

There’s More Than One Solution - Don’t Limit Yourself.

Abundance Tip #2 Remember your comfort zone is a scarcity zone. If you always approach something the same way, then…?

1. You’re imprisoning your growth to your comfort zone. Staying in your comfort zone sounds…well, comfy. But the problem is - it stops you from learning anything new and expanding your skills. How are you ever going to become what you truly want if you’re too scared to grow your mindset and develop the critical abilities you need to evolve?
2. Keep doing what you've always done, keep getting what you always get. Be honest, you're missing out. Your current perspective might get you through the day, but what if you could thrive? Wouldn’t that be awesome? Sometimes ego and fear gets in the way of conscious change.

Here’s what you can ask yourself:

Write out all the possibilities. Instead of jumping to your first thought…write down every way you could solve the problem. Not only does it expand your mind, but it shows your team that you’re a diverse thinker and willing to try something new.

Ask other people’s opinions. Like I said…everyone is unique. We all have contrasting life experiences, brains, beliefs…you get it. When you invite others into the conversation, it expands what you know and what you can achieve.?

Take a Step Back (Having a Breather Resets Your Mind).

Abundance Tip #3 Sometimes all you need is to take a step away from the problem, idea - whatever it is.

When you take a break, then come back … you see everything through fresh eyes.

Suddenly, the answer is so obvious you don’t know why you didn’t think of it before.

Put it on the back burner. I know it feels good to tick things off the to-do list (believe me, I know), but putting something away - even for an hour - can do wonders. Give the task some space, and your perspective will change (I guarantee you).

Give it to someone else. I’m not saying make someone do your work, but ask them to take a look. Leave it with them for a while and see what alternatives they come up with. What’s even better is…that person will feel their opinion is valued, and that’s pretty awesome, right?

Change Your Perspective from Negative to Positive…There’s Always a Silver Lining.

Abundance tip #4 To operate in abundance, focus on possibilities versus staying stuck in the problem.

It’s super easy to focus on "what's wrong" but when you do, you stunt your growth both as a leader and a human. Don’t do it.

Try, ‘on the other hand.’ This is an exercise I did as a kid…but it works! Write out your problem, perspective, etc, then next to it, put ‘on the other hand,’ and add a positive viewpoint. For example, ‘This task is really hard, and I can’t do it… on the other hand, I know I’m a hard worker and can ask colleagues for support.’ Honestly, a positive spin is all you need!

In short,

Changing perspectives expands your worldview and abilities as a leader. It develops your knowledge, gives you multiple viewpoints, and creates a positive mindset. It isn’t something you should do…it’s something you need if you want to be a great leader (and I know you do).

Just saying.

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