Benefits of a Right Perspective to Life

Our perspective, the way we see things, affects everything we do; from our attitudes and behaviours to our relationship with other people. Factors such as family, culture, relationships, media (including social media, television, entertainment, and radio), and life experiences (including religion, politics, travelling, etc.) helps to form our perspective throughout our lives. Acknowledging and thinking about different perspectives is an essential part of development in our lives. As we grow, so does our perspective of life changes.

Our perception can be seen as the lens with which we look at things. They are two ways we view things: the way things are (or realities), and way things should be (or our values). We interpret everything we experience in life through either of those mental lenses.

Objective perspectives help us see things the way they are. This is hard to accomplish at times, because we are emotional beings and mostly act based on our emotional and value induced perceptions of things. We mostly tend to relate to things and people through the lens of our experience which may not always be true. The question is, ‘What if we interpreted or saw our experience in the wrong light?’ Your perception is not reality. Its your current perception on reality. It’s simply the lens you happen to be looking through at reality at the moment based on your current understanding.

Sometimes, when people don’t seem to see from our point of view, we seem to disagree with them even thinking that there is something wrong with them. But it is by acknowledging that other people may have different perspectives from ours that helps us to more holistically consider our own views and begin changing them if they are found faulty. This can be done if we have the discipline of listening to other people’s views.

Subjective perspectives limit our view of things based on what we want to see, feel or hear (that is our emotions). Our values form the foundation of our perception of everything. Having the right value system is quite essential for having a right perspective to life.  Also, you might have the best intentions, but if you have a faulty value system and consequently a wrong perception of things, you will get everything wrong. You may want to look at the role of values in successful living.

The way we see things (that is our perception) determine the way the way we think and act. Everything about us; from our actions, feelings, thoughts, etc. are governed by our perceptions.  Thus, to change ourselves effectively, so as to become the best version of ourselves, we need to work on our perceptions. Our lives can really get better if we have the right perspective about things in our lives. Having the right perspective is the sure way to personal and interpersonal effectiveness, than any amount of effort to change our attitudes and behaviours. 

Even our self-talk is based on our perception of ourselves. If you view yourself to be inadequate in any area; whether it’s that you don’t like the way you look, or you feel that you are not intelligent or smart enough, or you don’t fit in because you lack the needed skill or talent, etc. you will act accordingly to those views. This behaviour affects our self-esteem and self-identity. You may want to look at the power of self-talk.

A wise man said, “Looking at situations from human point of view brings fear, doubt, and anxiety, but a look of faith brings improvement”. We need to have a paradigm shift. What if darkness makes us to appreciate light better when it comes? What if this pain makes us stronger and help us to make better choices? When we can learn to see the bright side of every problem, then we can see the opportunities and blessings inherent in those problems.

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Lebari-Dick Leteh has deepest desire to serve, improve, uplift, and enrich people's lives with his books, blog and other works. He is the author of 'Truths About Talent' and 'The Good News'.