Principle #1: Understand that you have the ability to alter your perspective and shift paradigms to achieve your goals.
(The smallest shift is capable of producing a dramatic difference in results)
It’s a key principle that many successful entrepreneurs live by, so why can’t you?
Where the average man sees setbacks, the entrepreneur sees opportunity. P.T Barnum gave us “the greatest show on earth” by discovering the potential for entertainment in General Tom Thumb the midget and Jumbo the giant elephant. Ray Croc took the McDonald brother’s simple menu and fast service and turned it into an international icon – while subsequently altering the eating habits, and health, of American society.
It’s how I defined HoboDrifter (not quite on the same level as the previous two examples, but you get the point). I’m not talking about re-writing the dictionary. It’s about comprehending commonly accepted rules, concepts, definitions, or theories and applying a new perspective.
Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.
-Dalai Lama XIV
Just because someone says A+B=C doesn’t mean A+B can’t also equal Z. Let me provide you with an example.
What Do You See?
I want you to take a few moments and examine the image below.
Now, look at the picture below this sentence.
Do you see a woman? How old would you say she is? What does she look like? What is she wearing? In what kind of role do you see her?
You might describe the woman in the second image to be in her mid 20’s – quite fashionable, lovely, with a rather petite nose. You might even ask her out if you were a single guy (maybe in the 1950’s).
But what if I told you that you were wrong? What if I said the second picture above was a woman in her 70’s or 80’s who looks sad, has a large nose and is probably someone who lives in a retirement home? You might be having second thoughts about asking her out, at least you would take her dancing.
But who is right? Me or you? Look at the picture again. Examine it closely. Can you see the old woman yet?
If we were face to face discussing this discrepancy of opinion, we could be at it for quite a while trying to convince the other person of what we saw. Now, click on the following link and examine the image: Woman #2. Then come back to this page and look at the second picture again. Don’t continue until you can clearly see the old woman.
Interesting huh? A+B equals C and Z. It’s a matter of perspective. (This exercise is further explained by Stephen Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which he discovered at the Harvard Business School – a highly recommended read).
The Advantages of Multiple Perspectives
Everyone has their own perspective of what the world looks like; defined by their individual experiences, prejudices, and preconceived notions. Everyone also has the ability to change that perspective, or shift their paradigm, to see the world in a different light. You just have to be willing to open your mind up to new ideas and points of view.
Creating alternative perspectives of the world is an extremely valuable tool when it comes to interacting with others and solving problems; that’s why it’s the First Principle of HoboDrifting.
But don’t take my word for it; you have to experience it for yourself. I smell a challenge! Don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest you ask out 70 or 80 year old men or women on dates (unless that’s your thing, or you’re 70 or 80 years old then go for it). It is a simple concept, but it’s not easy. You have to promise that you’ll give it a shot for a minimum of one week; a mere 7 days that could change how you see the world. If you don’t see any positive changes in your interactions with others, feel free to stop. You have nothing to lose. (Either way, I’d love to hear about it so feel free to Share Your Story.)
Your Mission, should you choose to accept it: The next time you’re having a conversation and someone makes a statement you don’t necessarily agree with, take a moment to put yourself in their shoes and try to see it from their perspective. Assume nothing. If anything the other person is saying becomes unclear, kindly ask for clarification until you begin to fill in the blanks. If you get stuck, try asking “that’s an interesting thought, why do you think that?” That will spark a continued discussion about their opinions and give you an opportunity to learn more about how they think. Do not offer your opinion or thoughts until you possess a better understanding of this person’s perspective.
Seek first to Understand… then to be Understood.
The key to this challenge: be genuinely interested. This simple fact is imperative to gaining the most from this experiment. Even if you have absolutely zero interest in the topic of discussion, feed off of the other person’s passion for the topic. If politics puts you to sleep, don’t let your mind (or eyes) wander over to that cute woman or man who just walked by, become interested in discovering why your counterpart finds politics so interesting. If you blatantly disagree with their point of view don’t immediately look to defend your position, try to uncover their reasons for that belief. Most people have a very keen sense of distinguishing between genuine and fake; think about your own ability to tell when a person is being fake or real with you. That’s why authentic interest in the conversation is vital.
You’re free to think this is a ridiculous exercise, but until you’ve put forth serious effort and given it a shot, be easy on the judgments. It’s the first step in unlocking the potential of your right brain – the intuitive, creative, alternative problem solving portion of that melon on top of your body.
The moment you begin to realize that the world is not black and white, anything will appear possible. So when you are facing a difficult situation or dilemma in your life, a challenge at work, school, or with a friend or loved one, remember the First Principle of HoboDrifting and look for new options to present themselves.
Understand that you have the ability to alter your perspective and shift paradigms to achieve your goals.
(See what other principles you might find useful: Principles of HoboDrifting)
