I have a certain way in which I see the world. Every human on planet earth does. It’s what makes us unique. When I was in fourth grade, I remember getting a sticker of a thumb that read, “I’m Thumb-body.” It’s true.
One of the greatest differences in the way each of us sees the world is in how we define the word vacation.
One of the greatest differences in the way each of us sees the world is in how we define the word vacation.
- I want to see new places, lie on a beach and read a new book.
- I want to get to the airport just before they shut the gate. I would like to be goosed by the Jetway door as it closes. “Oh, hello! Just in time!”.
- I want deep, intimate conversation, just barely loud enough to be heard over the hum of the plane.
- I want to work out every day.
- I can’t sleep past 7:00 a.m., even on vacation.
In Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, Steven Covey says, “We see the world, not as it is, but as we are - or as we’re conditioned to see it.” How we see the world has less to do with the way the world is and more to do with the way we are.
I think Covey’s next comment is also worth noting. “We must look at the lens through which we see the world, as well as the world we see and that the lens itself shapes how we interpret the world.”
When we’re trying to understand our role and how to find satisfaction in our job even when we lack the power of authority to effect change, we must first look at the lens through which we see the world.
I deeply believe this is true.
Because somewhere in this grand world, there is someone who has a similar skill set, educational background and amount of experience as you, is in a similar job or organization, has similar challenges - and actually likes the situation, because of the way he or she sees it.
There is someone, somewhere facing a similar situation and is seeing life with a lens that allows them to have more influence, excitement and contentment. You can either let that frustrate you or you can learn from this. Personally, I will choose to learn from it.
How you see your world shapes your world. And you have a say in how you see.
