The Power of Perspective
Everyone knows that individuals have their own personal strengths and weaknesses. Some people are incredibly kind, and others might be especially brave. But there is a virtue that many people overlook, and it’s actually one of the most important. Here we talk about developing perspective and how to see things differently.
What is Perspective?
Individuals who are high in their perspective skill are generally full of wisdom. They’re able to see the forest through the trees and can use their knowledge and life experiences to have a balanced view of any situation or scenario. In other words, they’re able to tell when the “glass is half full or half empty”.
Perspective is an important skill to have because it bridges the gap between cognitive ability and empathetic feeling. It’s an essential virtue that allows individuals to use their strengths in both a social and logical context.
Benefits of Developing Perspective
People who have lofty perspective skills are generally better able to learn from their mistakes, as well as accept and repent for the consequences of their actions.
Other benefits to having high perspective include:
- Generally able to give sage advice
- Linked to wellbeing in older adults (physically and socioeconomically)
How to Improve Perspective
The development of perspective skills has been linked to cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy is helpful in identifying and diminishing negative thoughts, and refocusing that energy on managing emotions. Having and keeping perspective in mind can help counteract anxiety, depression, and general negativity.
There are other ways to develop perspective other than therapy. In fact, one of the easiest ways to do so is to approach situations with the following questions:
- What’s the best/worst thing that could happen here? Now, what’s most likely?
- What are other people thinking and feeling that I might not be?
- Will this matter tomorrow, next week, or next year?
Keeping these questions in mind when dealing with hard situations can help turn anyone into a well-rounded, highly perspective person.
Other Skills to Use
While perspective is a really important skill, it’s not the be-all-end-all of personal virtues. That being said, it can be considered a signature strength because it can help improve and strengthen other skills.
The strengths that developing perspective can help improve include, but are not limited to:
- Positivity
- Decision Making
- Conflict Resolution
- Forgiveness
Perspective Out of Balance
People who overuse their perspective skills are often seen as preachy, and the amount of insight they’re giving is usually unwanted and unappreciated. On the other hand, people who lack in their perspective skills can come across as disconnected or emotionally unavailable.
If you find yourself feeling to off balance, talk to someone. We can always help.