In our everyday work we can benefit from being aware of the filters through which we see things. Every event, every activity, every experience is processed through those filters. These filters create our perspective. If we look at Webster’s dictionary, work is defined as:
exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something; labor; toil
to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary
activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result
Each of these definitions describe a type of perspective. If we only see work as “labor, toil” we are likely to attribute negative connotations to what we do. If we look at work only as to “fulfill duties regularly for wages” we are likely to attribute obligatory connotations to what we do. However, if we see work as an “effort done in order to achieve a purpose” we are likely to attribute positive connotations to it.
It is easy throughout the course of the day to go from a positive perspective to a neutral or even negative perspective without realizing it. Sometimes we can become frustrated when things do not go as we had hoped. This frustration can be our clue to look at our perspective. We can regain our perspective by remembering that our success comes from the quality of our effort, not just the outcomes we hope to achieve.
The song we sing in group reminds us that our perspectives are a choice.
Little Boy, in a baseball hat, stands in the field with his ball and bat, says I am the greatest player of them all, puts his bat on his shoulder and he tosses up his ball
And the ball goes up and the ball comes down, swings his bat all the way around, the world's so still you can hear the sound, the baseball falls to the ground
Now the little boy doesn't say a word, picks up his ball, he is undeterred, says I am the greatest there has ever been, and he grits his teeth and he tries it again
And the ball goes up and the ball comes down, swings his bat all the way around, and the world's so still as still can be, and the baseball falls, and that's strike three
He makes no excuses; he shows no fears, he just closes his eyes and listens to the cheers…
He says I am the greatest that is understood, but even I didn't know I could pitch that good!
The next time you get frustrated, stop for a moment and remind yourself of all the good you do. Is it about your batting or can you see how well you pitch? As Babe Ruth reminds us,
“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
“It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.”