Multiple Perspectives

I find that people that hold absolute opinions tend to be short-sighted. Life is complex. There are so many ways to look at something.

Systems thinking is the idea that we see the full system instead of the parts alone. We can see the parts, but we see the interconnection between those parts.

Seeing the full system helps us to get a better understanding of something. It provides more context and clearer insight.

It is easy to then see multiple perspectives. We can see that the opinion of those in various positions will take on unique points of view. Further, we understand why they see it that way.

This breaks down absolutes into a bunch of relatives. We see how things are relative to their position. Instead of absolute truths we see relative truths.

Relative truths mean that they are true but only relative to something else. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity explains that much of the physical world that we always thought was absolute, is actually relative.

Even something that seems so absolute, like time, is relative. Space is relative, not absolute.

This shattered people pre-conceived knowledge. Before E=MC^2, the perspective was that these are finite, absolute, and unbending. After, we realize how much is dependent on the situation and variables around the factor.

If something as concrete as the notions time and space can suddenly change based on the expansion of our knowledge, we should realize that just about everything is relative, not absolute.

Einstein’s theories also told us that gravity is not an invisible force pulling on us. Instead, it is a curvature of spacetime. Einstein even gave us the knowledge to time travel forward, yet most would say humanity has no idea how to time travel because it is impossible.

This isn’t an article about Einstein. But if these were all published in the early 1900’s and have been confirmed and proved correct over the last 100 plus years, why doesn’t everyone know about them? Maybe it is because they are complex? It is easier to keep “knowing” what we hold as absolute.

When we see other’s perspectives, we shouldn’t be shocked. That confirms that the topic isn’t absolute. Even when everyone in the room agrees, it doesn’t mean it isn’t relative. It could mean that the group doesn’t have enough diverse perspectives or aren’t willing to expand their current understanding of the situation.

So, don’t look at the many perspectives in the world as a bad thing. We can learn so much about the overall system when we explore these varied opinions and viewpoints.

There are many times when I created a balancing feedback look (unintentionally) that held me back. There was a limiting force that I didn’t see. Yet it controlled my destiny and blocked future success.

A simple example can be found with salads. For the past 15 or so years, I have been working at improving my health. I found ways to incorporate more exercise and better nutrition.

One food that I avoided was salads. I hated them. I would rather eat a bowl of broccoli over any salad.

Recently I went to a restaurant and wanted to eat healthy but there were limited options. I begrudgingly ordered the salad. To my surprise, it was delicious. I suddenly broke through a limitation and created a new path forward.

The same thing happened with jogging. I hated to run. My knee would get sore and disliked every step I took.

At a recent physical, I asked about the knee pain. I expected a major issue to be uncovered and expensive surgery in my future. Instead, I was told it sounds like a particular ailment that would be remedied with a specific stretch. It worked.

I started running and realized that all the other cardio I had done through the years, made running easy. It even became enjoyable.

I tend to get stuck on an absolute just like anyone else. Until that truth gets shattered and realize it is relative, I cannot be convinced otherwise.

But those absolutes form balancing feedback loops, keeping us where we are instead of taking us to new heights. What are the things keeping you from success and happiness? Are they absolutes? If they are, I bet with a flexible mind you can find a way to change your perspective and overcome.

For some great insight into leadership that will likely challenge your absolutes on leadership, check out Jocko Willink’s book, Leadership Strategy and Tractics. Despite the hard-core Navy SEAL persona, his insights are often the opposite of what you would expect.