The Power of Perspective
One of the interesting things about being a lawyer is that you can be in a situation where you have two attorneys who look at the exact same set of facts, but see things differently.
Like totally opposite.
No kidding.
Case in point. I work in estate litigation. The other day, I was having a settlement conference in one of my cases. The case is about 10 pieces of artwork worth 7 million dollars.
And the issue is: whose is it?
One side (decedent’s children) says the artwork belongs to decedent’s estate. The other side (decedent’s companion of 30 years) says it belongs to her.
Decedent’s dead. So, he’s not talking.
The clients weren’t at the conference (thank goodness). It was just me and the two opposing attorneys. Each from high-profile law firms, trying to figure out what to do in this estate that’s worth more than $50,000,000.
So, I’m asking them questions trying to get to the bottom of things. Then suddenly, the attorney for the companion says to the other attorney, “Are you calling my client a liar?”
The other attorney looked shocked.
And I’m thinking to myself, “Uh-oh. Here we go. This is not looking good.”
So, the estate attorney says, “No, I’m not calling your client a liar. She may indeed believe that she owns the artwork. But she’s just WRONG! There’s a difference between being a liar and being wrong.”
Yikes!
The companion’s attorney didn’t quite get it. But I got them to calm down, anyway.
Then that got me to thinking about how one’s perspective is so important.
How you see things can change everything.
Not only can it make the difference between a winning case and a losing case, but it can make the difference between an awesome life and a so-so life.
So,here are 3 ways to keep things in perspective:
1. Focus on the light
Everybody has problems. Last time I checked, life doesn’t offer anyone immunity.
So, when you’re faced with a problem, the best thing to do is to analyze it and figure out how you can get around it.
Focus on solutions. Ask yourself:
· What is the lesson here?
· Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
· In five years, will this matter?
· Is there a seed of opportunity within this obstacle?
2. Count your blessings, not your burdens
Be thankful. Even though you’re facing an obstacle, it may not affect your whole life. For example, let’s say you’re experiencing some financial challenges now. Instead of allowing your money problems to consume you, focus on other areas of your life where you are flourishing (e.g., relationships or health).
3. Remember that you can’t control everything
Life. It’s a funny thing. Most of the stuff that happens is out of our control. We can’t control the weather, traffic, or what other people say and do. So, it doesn’t make sense to allow those things to drive you nuts. Control what you can. Let the rest go.
When you choose to see the glass as half-full, you are choosing to have a healthier outlook and a more peaceful and powerful life.
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