25 Ways to Have a Fresh Perspective

Why Should We Seek a Fresh Perspective

Why is it important that we seek a fresh perspective?

Well, for starters, it helps us. It helps us solve problems and gain clarity. We should always be seeking to renew our minds. Learning and growing is so much better than remaining stagnant and stuck. In fact, if you are stuck, a fresh perspective may be just what you need to become unstuck.

But beyond that, being able to look at things from another perspective is key to relational success. Understanding another’s perspective will radically change your relationships.

As I said earlier, our perspective is simply our view of the world, and it’s shaped by our beliefs and experiences. So if we want to look at things from a fresh perspective, perhaps we should challenge our beliefs and change up our experiences.

Keep reading for 25 practical ways you can have a fresh perspective…

25 Ways to Freshen Your Perspective

Below you will find a list of ideas both big and small to help shift your perspective…

1 – Ask, “Why?”

If part of changing our perspective is challenging our beliefs and patterns, we must ask the question, “why?”

Question everything. Take nothing for granted.

2  – Take a different route home

It’s fascinating what you see when you veer from your normal path. In fact, challenge yourself to take a different route every day for a week — even if it’s not the most efficient route. Just switch things up.

3 – Open your eyes

And whatever route you take to work or wherever you’re going, open your eyes — literally and figuratively. Be mindful as you survey your surroundings. I guarantee that you will see things for the first time, even  though they’ve been there for  years and you’ve driven by hundreds of time.

4 – Order something different from the menu

We can become such creatures of habit that we even get in a rut with what we eat. I know that I tend to develop a favorite dish at restaurants. Then, the next time I’m there, I’ll peruse the whole menu, but still revert back to what I know — my “usual” order.

But why not step out and try something new?

5 – Move

Of course this is a drastic measure. But if you are feeling stuck and have been in the same  place for a long time, maybe  this is something you should consider. Whether it’s a  simple change of neighborhood or a lengthy cross-country move, changing where you live certainly shakes things up!

 

6 – Travel

Nothing increases my worldview and shifts my perspective more than travel! There’s something special about seeing how other people live, experiencing other cultures, and so on and so forth. It broadens one’s horizons.

7 – Explore your hometown

Yes, traveling is great. But if that’s not practical at the moment, explore right where you are! Undoubtedly, there are neighborhoods or museums or parks in your own town which you haven’t yet explored.

Break out of your comfort zone and go explore!

8 – Get physical

Exercise, that is. The mental benefits of exercise are many. The endorphins released when we exercise lead to sharper thinking, stronger resilience, better memory, and so much more. So, get moving!

9 – Change your work environment

If your job allows, leave that cramped cubicle. Get out of the office. Work outside. Go to a coffee shop. Find an environment that brings out your creativity, productivity, and innovation.

10 – Change your schedule

Question when you do things, how you do things, what things you do. Note when your  focus is strongest and schedule the most important tasks for that time of day.

Consider going to a block schedule. I’ve recently done so, and I’ve seen dramatic increases in focus and productivity.

11 – Read a business book

Get professional inspiration from others. The business decisions we make are based on our on experiences and knowledge. If we can leverage the lessons from others, that will only serve to accelerate our own success.

Here are some of my favorite business books, from classics to new releases…

12 – Check that one nagging item off your to-do list

You know what I’m talking about… You have that one thing to do that you don’t want to do so you keep putting it off. The problem with that? It keeps occupying a spot  not only on your to-do list, but  it’s occupying space in your brain!

Check that item off your list, and make space for new  ideas!

13 – Read material with which you don’t agree

Read stuff with which you don’t agree with an open mind. The goal doesn’t necessarily have to be to change your opinions. Rather, the goal is more so to understand the other perspective. At least you can appreciate why others might believe as they do. As the phrase goes…

14 – Educate yourself on a topic you don’t know much about

Whether it’s a political issue, a life skill, or a current event, read about it. You will learn something new – plus you’ll be become a more interesting person, better equipped to converse intelligently at the next party you attend!

15  – Have an out-of-body experience

I mean this one tongue-in-cheek… I’m not talking about some esoteric experience. What I’m talking about is figuratively stepping outside of your body and viewing your daily  patterns and thoughts and actions from an outsider’s perspective.

16 – Be grateful

Gratitude is an automatic perspective shifter.

Establish a daily gratitude practice… I suggest two components to this: (1) Write down three things you are grateful for each day,  and (2) journal one positive experience from your day

Indeed, this teaches your brain to look for the positive. I suggest Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage for more information on this subject.

17 – Ask, “What if…?”

In need of a shift? Question the status quo. Examining scenarios that would normally seem unlikely or even absurd can be quite insightful actually. You may be overlooking solutions, problems, or possibilities simply because you’re accepting the “as is”.

18 – Listen to a new podcast

What we consume affects what we create. Fill your day with inspirational, motivational, or educational material.

19 – Take a break

Maybe you’re missing the obvious because you are just too “in the weeds.” Step away for the afternoon. Step away from the project.  Step away and do something else. When you do that, you just might  have a fresh perspective and thus a new idea!

20 – Regularly ask for feedback

Whether you ask a boss, a friend, a counselor, a therapist, a trusted advisor, seek feedback. By definition, an outsider will look at things from an outside perspective. And that may be just the perspective we need! There’s a Bible verse that says…

21 – Clear out the clutter

In my experience, visual and physical clutter can clutter our minds. So, take a few moments, a few hours, or a few days if needed and organize your space. Your work space and your home space could both benefit from this exercise. As the saying goes, “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”

Clear out, donate, sell… do whatever you need to do to minimize externally in order to better organize your thoughts internally.

Spoiler alert: we don’t need as much stuff as we think we do! Trust me.

22 – Look outside your own circle

If we are talking about business, this might mean look outside of your industry for new ideas. Whatever area of life we are talking about, innovation is always necessary. We always need to be growing and learning. And we don’t always have to reinvent the wheel. Look around. See what other people are doing.

23 – Be still

Maybe you need to sit still and be quiet and tune out all the noise. If you’re new to the idea of meditation, try a meditation app like Calm or Headspace.

 

24 – Get out of your comfort zone

Whatever that means to you, do it. Do something that challenges and scares you. Safety and comfort are not necessarily conducive to change and growth.

25 – Listen

Most people don’t listen with the intent to truly understand. Most people, while listening, are more concerned with formulating their response. Take note…

The word listen and the word silent have the same letters.

Coincidence? I think not!

(The words stressed and dessert have the same letters too, but I digress…)

In Closing

If you like what you read, put some of the ideas into action!

And if you like what you read, share it! If you’d like to pin it, here is a hand graphic you can share.

Thanks so much for reading. Have a great day!