The World We Encounter - The Case for Rose Colored Glasses

Photo Credit - Beagle Rescue

I dig this quote from the book, How to Be an Existentialist by Gary Cox:

"We constantly encounter a world characterized and defined by the motives and attitudes we choose to have and the evaluations we choose to make."

I think this is true. And it is an opportunity to see people and situations in their best light. Believe people are amazing and you will see them do amazing things. Remind yourself of the gifts your team members possess and you will see these gifts come forth in their work. Assume the best intentions and experience the compelling reasons people do what they do.

The reverse is true, too. Be can bungle up our situation really fast by believing it is messed up.

This is not about flying blind - or being bamboozled by a cruel world. Our thoughts don't just determine what we see, they determine what happens next. Our beliefs, thoughts, assumptions, and mindsets CHANGE and AFFECT people and what they DO.

Choose the context that will best serve you and your goal.

I was doing a team retreat a couple of weeks ago and this idea came up. The group struggled with sandbox issues and the communication issues that sandbox issues can cause (see my previous post about sandboxes here). But what if we did not see the sandbox? What if we never assume a territory? The way we see these issues changes them.

How can you use this to get your week off to a great start?

Comments

[Ryan]

Very true. All things exist in multiple positions and it is not until you assign a position to them that they exist in that plain. Like the martial artist that says, "I can punch through the board because I believe the board is not there".

[Tina]

Right ON! I am a firm believer in what we call "reframing" and I believe that lines right up with your rose colored glasses idea. If nothing else choosing to see things in a positive light lowers our own personal stress levels, but I also believe that it changes the environment of a situation and opens the door for positive change.

[Peoplesoft Users Lists]

For any number of reasons, which we will soon see, we may encounter a different culture. This is not always the case!

[Allan @ Chain Cables]

Well said. It is a two way street though. If your outlook is bleak, short minded, and futile, you will have a result like that. If optimistic and willing to try and fail in order to improve is your mindset, the results will be a bit more favorable. Silver linings lead to better things every time.