Turn Your World Upside Down
by Lee J. Colan, Ph.D.
As humans, it seems like we are hard-wired for comfort. As a result, change does not come easily. As the saying goes, "Change is like rain. Everyone knows it's good for you, but nobody wants to get wet."
We resist change so much because we overestimate the value of what we are clinging to and underestimate the value of what we are moving toward. Sometimes, we need to turn our world upside down to see a new perspective.
My kids say I am too literal — after that, I guess I can't argue with them.
When we change the way we look at things, things change the way they look. Try these strategies to turn your world upside down before it turns you upside down:
Ask yourself, "If I had no fear at all, what would I do in this situation?"
Walk in someone else's shoes for a day (or even an hour!). Parents, try on your kids' shoes. Managers, try on your employees' or customers' shoes.
Listen, really listen to someone with a totally opposite perspective as yours (probably someone with whom you frequently disagree). Again, just listen.
Find an area of your life where you are most comfortable (relationship, career, finances, faith) and try something new. Sometimes we have to quit something good to find something great. More on this topic in Winners ALWAYS Quit.
You may never discover the upside of life if you don't turn your world upside down.
