For much of my life, I operated from my own perspective—how I felt, what I thought, and what I believed to be true. It was comfortable, familiar, and, admittedly, a little limiting. But as I navigated life’s challenges, both personally and professionally, I realized something profound: true growth begins when we step outside of our own viewpoint and start understanding the perspectives of others.
The Turning Point: From “I” to “We”
This shift didn’t happen overnight. It began during my years as an educator and leader. I often found myself frustrated when teachers didn’t meet my expectations or when their actions seemed out of alignment with what I thought was best. My initial reaction was to assess the situation based on my perspective: Why aren’t they doing what they’re supposed to? Why can’t they see what I see?
But over time, I began to ask different questions: What might they be experiencing? What’s stopping them from taking initiative? How do they see this situation?
These questions led me to a powerful realization: everyone has their own story, their own struggles, and their own lens through which they view the world. By focusing solely on my perspective, I was missing opportunities to truly connect, support, and grow alongside the people around me.
Lessons from Life Coaching
As I ventured into life coaching, this mindset shift deepened. Life coaching is all about understanding others—helping people uncover their unique challenges, motivations, and goals. To do that effectively, I had to set aside my assumptions and truly listen.
Listening with empathy and curiosity changed everything. I began to notice how much richer conversations became when I wasn’t trying to impose my perspective but was instead open to learning from theirs.
Personal Growth Through Others’ Stories
This approach also transformed my personal life. As a mother, I started seeing my sons’ struggles not just through my lens as a parent but through their experiences as individuals. It allowed me to support them more meaningfully.
With my husband, friends, and colleagues, I found that understanding their viewpoints often revealed solutions or insights I hadn’t considered. It wasn’t about agreeing with everything but about broadening my understanding.
Why This Matters
When we focus solely on our own perspective, we limit our potential for connection and growth. Embracing others’ perspectives doesn’t mean losing your own—it means expanding your capacity for empathy, problem-solving, and collaboration.
It’s not always easy, and I’m still learning every day. But this shift has been one of the most transformative parts of my journey. It’s taught me that growth isn’t just about changing ourselves—it’s about understanding and embracing the people around us.
What About You?
Have you ever had a moment where seeing someone else’s perspective changed how you approached a situation? Or are you working on embracing this mindset shift in your own life?
Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how focusing on others’ perspectives has shaped your journey.
