Some times we can get so caught up in how we see things, our perspective, that we miss the easy solution that might be right in front of us. I know for me sometimes I can go round and round with something just like a dog chasing its tail and I get lost in the circle in my mind. It is then that I have learned to stop and pause. Step back and look at it from another perspective or angle. If I still can’t see anything new, ask someone else to look at it with fresh eyes.
I did this just this past weekend. I knew I was missing something, I kept working at it hard but no matter the hours I poured into the project, I was not getting the results I desired or the results I knew I should get. So I worked even harder, longer hours, tweaking things over and over. As I kept pushing I realized that my enthusiasm for the project was shrinking. Something that had meant so much to me was becoming less in my eyes because I was stuck in that circle.
When I realized that my desire for the project that had meant the world to me was fading, I knew I needed a new perspective. It was not that I could not figure it out. It was that I could not see what was in front of me any longer. So I asked for fresh eyes to look at it. I wanted honest feedback, even if it was something that I may not want to hear. At this point I knew that the solution was not going to be found by me and I was missing something or doing something wrong.
The ego part of me was frustrated. I had worked so hard and so long. I knew it was an amazing project, yet from my perspective, I could not get it right. Instead of going to the voice to condemn myself for not getting it right, I went to the place of openness and learning. I knew I needed a new perspective.
The funny thing was all it took was a little tweak. I missed the mark by a hair. I could have saved myself hours, days and frustration if I had just stopped and asked for someone else to look at it from their point of view. I have learned this lesson before, I teach it to my clients. Yet it took me chasing my tail and almost letting go of a project I held dear to my heart, for me to stop and change perspective.
Some times just being positive and introspecting helps a lot.
Tina from The Sunny Side of Life
That happens to me sometimes, too, Michelle! I often have to walk away from whatever I am working on, and then try to look at it again later with fresh eyes. Something else that often happens is that I will wake up with the solution. Sometimes it actually gets me out of bed because I get so excited about it!
I am glad I am not the only one who bounces out of bed with excitement! The past two days have been like that for me also!
I can really relate to this post. I think once you get over whatever it is that prevents asking for help, and reach out for another set of eyes, many doors will open. I felt the frustration in your description of the situation. I think fear of failure, insecurity, embarrassment etc. are at the root of our hesitation. But the support of just one other person’s perspective can make that project happen!
I found your blog on UBC, and look forward to reading more.
If you want to have a peak at mine, I am at http://www.barbarakwrites.wordpress.com
In the last couple of weeks, I’ve walked away from something I had been working on for over a month. My work and research were not appreciated. I was beginning to feel like I was being taken advantage of. I would have benefited from another perspective – I may have seen what turned out to be an obvious situation sooner. What did I do? I talked it over with someone who is outside of the situation but has “been there”. And, I made my decision to walk away.
I am sorry that you had to walk away after over a month of work. I am glad you double checked your perspective, sometimes it is hard to see when we are in the mist of it. It sounds like you stand by your decision also.
I can relate to this as well. Sometiimes we get so mired and bogged down by certain things that we stop seeing it clearly. That’s when I step away from it for a while. Whether it’s just for an hour, or for a day, or whatever it takes. I’ve also had to ask for another’s perspective too. That’s fine. I enjoy that fresh look. Thank you for sharing!
I totally agree!