08/31/2026
Imagine you’re already running late for work when you run into some unexpected traffic. If you're like a lot of people, you might feel your shoulders tense up, your jaw tighten, or your hands clench on the wheel. As your anxiety climbs, you might even find yourself silently cursing the other drivers around you and taking every red light as a personal insult. By the time you get to work, you're just about ready to snap.
Now imagine you’re driving that same route, filled with the same traffic—but instead of running late to work, you're on your way to share wonderful news with someone you care about. You might still feel a bit nervous about being late, but you're filled with happy anticipation, too. The underlying situation, in many ways, is the same: You're running late and get stuck in traffic. But the emotional tenor of the second scenario is far different—not to mention significantly less stressful on your body and mind.
This hypothetical illustrates the power of shifting our perspective when faced with a frustrating situation, explains author Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Ed.D. "Our perspective is a constellation of attitudes, mindsets, and emotions that form a lens through which we see the world," she writes. "It grows in relation to our lived experiences. Developing and practicing an integrated perspective helps us manage challenges, mitigate the impact of stressors, and open the door to learning and growth."
Fortunately, we can build perspective intentionally through curiosity, reflection, and small daily practices—starting with these five. What steps do you take to broaden your perspective when it starts to feel too narrow? Let us know in the comments.
