I want to dive into something that can really help when you’re going through a change and you are trying to make sense of a situation: sharpening your focus.
So, imagine you’re facing a tough situation and feeling a bit lost. One way to bring things into clearer focus is to ask yourself, “What’s happening?” Try to be as objective as you can. Now, we’ve all seen those crime shows where the investigator asks the witnesses, “What happened?” and each person gives a different account, right? That’s because our perceptions are influenced by our senses (what we see, hear, and feel), past experiences, and thoughts. While being completely objective might be impossible, there are a couple of things that can help.
First, remember that how we interpret what’s happening is often subjective. What if we could choose a perspective that makes us feel optimistic and capable instead of mad or confused? It’s all about developing our power to choose our perspective. For example, instead of seeing a setback as a failure, what if you viewed it as a learning opportunity? This shift can make a big difference in how you feel and react.
Second, let’s talk about something called “reality testing.” This is where you take a step back and evaluate whether your thoughts and perceptions align with the actual facts. It’s like being your own detective, checking the evidence before jumping to conclusions. For instance, if you’re feeling down because you think your friend is mad at you, you might ask yourself, “Do I have any real evidence of that, or am I just assuming?”
By focusing on these two strategies—choosing a positive perspective and doing some reality testing—you can navigate tricky situations with more clarity and confidence.
Give it a try next time you’re feeling stuck! Let me know in the comments how this approach works for you, or if you have any other tips to share!
