A fish can't see the water because it's in it
Do you need a different perspective?
When I started this blog I hadn't anticipated a scenario where the word 'fish' would be relevant in the subject heading!
This is a quote from Mel Wells 'a fish can't see the water because it's in it'.
I love the way this is phrased.
To me it means we struggle to see what's really going on in a situation, because we're in it. Our perspective is subjective so we're only likely to see part of the story. I can identify with that - do you?
This is a problem for a few different reasons. A couple of examples - it's a problem if you're not feeling great, but can't quite put your finger on what's wrong. And it's a problem if you're in a stressful work situation and don't know the next right move to resolve it.
So if we agree being IN the situation makes it harder to see what's going on, how do we resolve it?
Here's a few approaches I've seen work well:
1) increase your self-awareness. The first step to solving a problem is being aware it exists. Now that you've been reminded that you don't have a clear perspective, acknowledge that it's going to need some work
2) get input from relevant people - try to get a 360 degree view. That means getting ideas from your boss, senior mentors, peers and direct reports. Great ideas can come from 'reverse mentoring' relationships where junior employees mentor more senior colleagues
3) if you can't see the wood for the trees, a change of physical environment can help. If you've been stuck at your desk mulling over a problem, take a walk outside, put some music on, go shopping. Do something thatdistracts your brain. Often when you're not pondering the problem you'll get the eureka moment you're looking for
4) use mindfulness techniques to observe your own thoughts. Notice the phrases that go through your mind andwhat gets repeated, as if on a loop. Being able to identify what's holding you back (fear of failure, fear of success etc etc) gives you insights to analyse and help make a decision
5) what would the future you advise you to do? Put yourself 5-10 years in the future. If you think more long term, what's the best outcome for you in this current situation?
These 5 ideas will help you to have a varied perspective.Give it a go, don't be the fish :).
Wishing you all the best
Kat
Kat Hutchings
Career Coach, Kat the Coach Ltd
kat@katthecoach.co.uk
P.S. Experiment with some of these tools to enhance your perspective. It can be tough doing this on your own.The 6th and best way is to hire a coach ;) so drop me a line if you'd like to see how I can help you.
