There are times in life when no amount of extra effort will change the outcome. You can throw more money at the problem, but it persists. You can learn more about the solutions, but it continues to resurface. You can double down on your time and effort, and when you finally come up for air, you discover nothing has changed.
It’s like trying to push a boulder up a hill. Instead of seeing that piece of granite move, you end up digging yourself a hole with your heels. If we step away, even briefly, and get a look at the bigger picture (and the other side of the boulder), we might notice our proverbial foot standing in our way.
Perspective is lost when we’re too close to a problem. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost something, searched the house for ages, only to give up and find it sitting in the most obvious place.
When we get so wrapped up in a specific outcome, whether it’s a lifestyle, a time frame, or a dream, all we see is the imaginary finish line. We’re standing in our own way when all we can see is the end product, not the steps we’ve taken to get closer.
Taking the time to gain perspective is not reserved for those who can afford a calm and quiet life. It’s a necessary skill for anyone who wishes to move forward with thought and intention (and less aimless effort).
But don’t be too hard on yourself. This can also backfire. We are where we are. Instead of beating ourselves up for what we didn’t know, we can give ourselves some grace. We’ll do better next time.
Even when we feel like we’re already behind, it’s worth checking what’s on the other side of that boulder. From a different vantage point, we will see the truth more clearly.
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