Take A Step Back, To See The Wider Picture

This week, we will be looking at the importance of taking a step back, in order to get a clearer picture. Instead of looking so hard at something, where our judgement gets clouded.

Taking a step back can help provide clarity and, bring you the answers quicker. Saving time, energy and reducing stress.

In a day and age, where all the information we would ever need, is literally at the tip of our fingers. Whether it be on a mobile phone, laptop or if you are still old school, and own a computer. However, this can sometimes lead to information overload and, also cause you to make snap decisions.

These snap decisions, or clouded judgement calls, are not a new phenomena. Even with the help and guidance of those around us, who have your best interest in mind. You can become blind to what is best for yourself, taking you off in the completely wrong direction for a time, until you figure out how to get back on track.

Again, talking from personal experience, this is no more true than when it came to me going off to university at 19. Yes, we are going back to the story of academia, yet this is such an unbelievable situation, it is worth touching base on in this weeks topic.

During my time at college, I was so focused on the short-term journey of getting to the end of my course and, let us be honest, enjoying my teenage years. When the time to decide which university to attend and, more importantly what course to study to gain employment in a particular industry came around. It simply had not crossed my mind, to the point I had none of the answers myself, when it came to making my mind up. Off I go anyway, unfortunately not to slug it out and get my degree regardless. Nope, instead joining the rugby team and enjoying the social side of things, is how round 1 of university turned out for me. Therefore, clearly demonstrating, no stepping back was done, no examination of the bigger picture was taken and, this left me thinking I was not capable of gaining a degree.

However, after several years of working this job, that job and the other. Where should I end up? You guessed it. Right back at the same university where it all began, fourteen years earlier and, ready this time for round 2. Due to there being some idea of a plan and, aim as to what a degree was going to provide. Now, four and half years later, which absolutely flew by. I have a 2:1 undergraduate and an MSc, as well as two theoretical models of my own and, have presented at an international research conference.

Of course, as always, this weeks newsletter is going to linked with a book and, the book is Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. Takes the reader on a journey, with a young Shepard boy, who begins in a field and travels the lands, seas and dessert, in order to find his answer to life. Only to be given directions, taking him back to the exact same field he began in.

Now this resonates with me personally for obvious reasons, which is why I shared both the personal experience and, book with you today. All in an attempt to highlight, your answer may be right under your nose or, in front of your face. However, just like me at the start of my long journey. You might be looking too hard at one tiny area and, what you actually need to do. Is stop, take a step back, in order for you to get a clearer view of the whole picture and, not just the little patch you have been concentrating on for so long. Your vision may have become blurred, or blinkered.

If this sounds like you, trying to find answers, yet you do not know how or where to begin. Please get yourself a copy of The Alchemist, it might just change your perspective on things, as it did with me and, millions of other readers. Highlighting, sometimes, you already have the answers in front of you and, you are in control of finding them.

Thank you again for reading our newsletter, we hope you have found it thought provoking and inspiring. Please feel free to come over to our website at, www.activelisteningforwellbeing.com, to see our core offerings on resilience and wellbeing, stress management, positive communication, reflective practice and professional coaching. Do not forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, share with your friends and contacts, or leave any comments below. Until next time, we hope you have a fantastic week and reach your next level of potential.