The great promise of Switch Thinking is the ability to see any situation differently.
Imagine the power of this.
For example:
You can see a situation as a problem
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You can also see it as an opportunity to try something new, learn and grow.
Both equally valid but different.
And you can see a situation differently almost immediately.
This means that you do not have to wait for the right people, a team, the right mood or location.
Whenever you need it you can switch how you see a situation.
You example:
You can see see missing out on a promotion as a setback.
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You can also see it as a time to review your performance and see where you can improve.
It could be very motivating if viewed through a different lens.
You might not be ready just yet.
What do I mean by seeing?
To see a situation differently means to perceive, understand a situation.
A situation could be a problem, issue, challenge or gap.
It could be big (e.g. the loss of a friend) or quite small (e.g. being ignored in a meeting).
Why see a situation differently?
There are a number of advantages in being able to see a situation differently – on demand.
The first is that you can often see new opportunities to create and innovate.
This means that you are always learning and growing.
If you run your own business it can drive new customers and revenue for example.
Another advantage is that you can see opportunities before others.
This means that you can stay ahead of your customers and client expectations.
It helps you get unstuck and can move forward.
You are not paralysed by what has happened in the past.
Another big advantage is that when you see a situation differently it can impact how you (and others) feel and what they do.
For example:
When you fall short in achieving a goal or target you can feel a bit down.
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You can also see yourself as taking risks and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
Viewed this way you can feel energised as you take on your next challenge.
You can see these types of challenges as scary and withdraw.
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Yo can also see them as another adventure.
Seeing differently everywhere
When you learn to switch your thinking you suddenly see almost every situation differently.
For example:
I was was walking in the city being jostled by the busy crowd which made me feel uncomfortable.
Then I switched my thinking and imagined myself outside in a field of beautiful flowers of all shapes and sizes.
The situation had not changed but how i saw it very differently.
In my mind I now was surrounded by beauty and nature.
Instant calm.