Have you ever walked a familiar trail and suddenly felt like you were exploring it for the first time? I walked the trail in reverse on a recent hike instead of sticking to my usual path. And it was a perspective changer! Suddenly, this trail I thought I knew so well became unrecognizable. I found myself walking slower and noticing details I had somehow not seen in all my previous hikes. This hike felt like exploring a new place, even though I’d been here many times before. And you know what…I enjoyed it even more!
It made me think: How often do we default to the same patterns in life? Do you take the same approach to conversations, challenges, or even daily routines? Do you ever find yourself responding in the same way to problems? You know exactly what to say and what action to take. It’s familiar, comfortable, and predictable.
But what if we intentionally chose to shake things up every once in a while? To approach a problem from the opposite direction. To pause, step back, consider a different perspective or try another approach, even if it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
Walking that trail in reverse was a reminder that the world looks different when we’re willing to change our perspective. It’s not just about the physical view; it’s about shifting how we see and engage with the things and people around us.
This week, find one “trail” in your life—a conversation, a project, a routine—and try approaching it from a new angle. If you usually talk, try listening. If you normally dive in, take a step back. If you’ve always responded with the same approach, try something different.
Who knows? You might find yourself seeing something in a way you never expected.
In January, a new student named Paul enrolled in our middle school. During my meeting with him and his aunt, I learned that his parents had left him when he was 8 years old, and there had been no contact since then, which left his aunt as his primary caregiver. Paul’s school records indicated many disciplinary suspensions, and his aunt hoped that this change would provide a fresh start for him as he prepared for high school. We discussed our expectations and his goals for this transition.
After one month, Paul was battling peer relationships and frequently in power struggles with several of his teachers. I met with him weekly for counseling and mentorship, focusing on relationship-building and healthy conflict-resolution skills. It was challenging and my usual strategies were not gaining much traction in connecting with him.
Despite his difficulties in forming relationships, I took a chance and invited Paul to help me coach Saturday morning 2nd graders basketball. This turned out to be a fantastic experience for both him and the younger students! By week three, Paul arrived at the gym before me and even brought donuts. He found purpose in helping and being responsible; the kids loved him!
Disrupting our usual responses and viewing problems from different angles can lead to better solutions. Letting go of past assumptions enhances relationships. Being open to new approaches and challenging ourselves helps us achieve what once seemed impossible. Rather than frequently reminding others of high expectations, you can inspire them to try something new and challenge them to go for it.
1. Are there people on your team whose challenges overshadow their potential?
2. It's time to disrupt the status quo when familiar strategies fail to connect.