Changing Your Perspective

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
Quora

by Skip Cohen

​One of the biggest challenges in owning a business is recognizing when to unplug and take a break. Sometimes, it's nothing more than an hour or two; other times, you need a few hours, days, or even weeks. Well, this past week, Sheila and I decided to go off the grid as much as possible. 

We wanted to take a short vacation with the pups, so I googled "Best Pet Resorts in Florida," and a place in New Smyrna Beach came up, (Black Dolphin Inn). It was only 200 miles away and perfect for a three-day break. Off the grid for us meant shutting off our phones and email and renewing focus on our little family—just the four of us.

I wanted to change our perspective on how we go through each day. No email, no blogging, no social media, and time to simply appreciate our life together. Well, it worked, but another bonus was being on the east coast of Florida.

Living in the Sarasota area, we get spectacular sunsets but never a sunrise. It's a very different perspective. Two mornings ago, I woke up early and headed outside before Sheila and the pups were up. The top photograph shows the sun just starting to come up, and the image below is 5-10 minutes later. The bird was purely an accidental bonus, but what a great way to start the day!

I still love incredible sunsets, especially since they last longer. But there's something to be said for that stunning ball of red at 6:30 in the morning!

Note: Both images are right "out of the can" - no manipulation, except cropping. (iPhone 14 Pro)

​Here's my point today: From time to time, you need to change your perspective. In terms of business, stepping away for a few days was the perfect recharge. We've all become so over-focused on social media and being accessible. Most of us remember a day without cell phones—now, we're NEVER without one. 

I'm not suggesting that if you're in a consumer-driven business, you should randomly pull the plug and not be available. But you can find ways to still have the coverage you want and take a break when needed.

And as far as the change of perspective for a sunrise vs a sunset - it's all dependent on your mindset at the time. Had I been working and not on a mini-vacation, I'm not sure I would have taken the time to even look out the window first thing in the morning.

​I found a great quote below that makes the point far better than I can:

When a photographer can't change a scene, he/she changes the angle
and lens to capture the best of that scene. Similarly, when you can't change a situation in your life,
change your perspective and mindset to get the best out of that situation.
Polymath

Wishing everybody a terrific weekend, and for all you moms out there - Happy Mother's Day!