Altering viewpoints: Inquisitive prompts for personal paradigm shifts
In the pursuit of personal growth and happiness, our perspectives play a crucial role. They can either keep us stuck and stressed, or free us to move forward. Diane Webb, LMHC, a psychotherapist and self-development coach in private practice in Tampa, Florida, emphasises this point.
One of the most effective ways to identify the negative consequences of limiting perspectives is to ask oneself, "What has this perspective cost me? What have I missed out on because of this perspective?" This question can help us recognise the impact of our mindset on our lives.
Reflecting on what we want our life and days to look like can help determine if our mindset is aligned with those desires. If not, it might be time to reassess and realign our perspectives.
When faced with a challenging situation, instead of feeling stuck, we can gain insight by asking, "What can I learn from this?" This question encourages a growth mindset and helps us find opportunities for growth and improvement.
Another powerful question to ask ourselves is, "What do I want? How do I feel?" This question helps us focus on our own desires and feelings, which are essential for making decisions that align with our values.
Reframing our perspective to "I'll do my best, one task at a time" can lead to calmness, confidence, and efficiency. This mindset shifts our focus from the overwhelming nature of tasks to the manageable steps required to complete them.
Gratitude is another powerful tool for shifting perspectives. It moves us from a mentality of scarcity to a mentality of abundance, helping us appreciate what we have and fostering a positive outlook.
Imagining ourselves telling the story of a current situation in the future can help us visualise a desired narrative and start problem-solving. This technique, known as future pacing, can help us break free from negative patterns and move towards our goals.
If we find ourselves faced with a decision that seems clouded by fear, asking, "If I were twice as strong and twice as confident, what decision would I make?" can help identify the power given to fear. This question helps us tap into our inner strength and make decisions based on our true desires, not our fears.
Asking ourselves, "What would my mentor or hero do?" can help us tap into motivations and find courage. This question reminds us of our role models and inspires us to act in a way that aligns with our values and aspirations.
We often internalise perspectives from our parents and societal expectations, but we have a choice in whether to adopt a viewpoint or not. It's important to remember that our perspectives aren't permanent and can be shifted with simple questions.
Thinking there's not enough time can lead to anxiety, rushed behaviour, and inefficiency. Instead, we should adopt a mindset of abundance, recognising that there is always enough time for what matters most.
Thinking in terms of "always" and "never" can limit our potential. Instead, we should strive to be flexible and open-minded, recognising that situations and our responses to them can change.
In conclusion, shifting our perspectives can have a profound impact on our lives, helping us move towards personal growth, happiness, and peace. By asking ourselves the right questions and challenging our limiting beliefs, we can unlock our full potential and live the lives we truly desire.
