Do you ever feel like you are caught up in the small stuff? What I mean by this is the little meaningless daily tasks and annoyances.
Lately, it seems like I’ve been a very narrow picture, so to speak—a small focus on what’s happening in my life and not having a big enough lens.
Today, I want to talk about the importance of zooming out and having a more birds-eye view of life. As 2023 is about to close (in less than 20 days), I know I can’t believe it either…
It’s the perfect time to zoom out and see where you’ve come from and where you’re currently at. By zooming out, you’ll get more clarity, know where you’ve come from, and learn how to improve moving forward.
Here are 3 takeaways I’ve learned from being caught up in the small stuff and how to get that big-picture view to help you now and in the future.
Imagine you’re walking on the sidewalk somewhere close to your home. You’re by yourself, and your entire focus is on the next step ahead. Your view is narrow, and your path is small.
This is what I like to think of as small tasks in life. A narrow and simple sidewalk path. Yes, they’re necessary to keep moving forward, but they only get you so far.
With this approach, you must follow where the path takes you. Cross and change streets only when accessible, and ultimately be blind to everything else.
Imagine flying in a plane at 40,000 feet above the ground. You have a window seat (luckily) and spend your flight looking outside.
The view is spectacular, and you have the ultimate view of everything in sight. You can see the land's lay and many alternative paths, routes, and places.
With this approach, you have more freedom, flexibility, and know-how. What if you looked at your life right now through the 40,000 foot view? What would you see?
What is getting you closer to where you want to go, and what hinders it?
Using this method, I’ve gotten a clearer picture of what’s going on in my life and how to adapt to what’s next. Give it a try.
From the 40,000 foot view, we focus more on the big picture.
Imagine you’re at a museum looking at an incredible piece of art on the wall. It’s in a glass case, and everyone is mesmerized by it.
Maybe it’s the Mona Lisa or something of similar significance.
Big picture moments are the moments in your life that are more condensed than 40,000 feet but more complex than the sidewalk analogy.
They may involve many people, steps, and routes. But, all are necessary to get where you want to go.
And all of these help you get there at a faster rate than one thing by itself.
For example, a big-picture moment could be looking at your health goals together.
Rather than focusing solely on going to the gym and working out.
What else is essential to getting into better shape and feeling better?
Your nutrition, sleep, water intake, and overall daily routine would be in the picture.
The big-picture moments bundle a bunch of smaller items and habits into the main theme of what you’re trying to do.
Big-picture moments help you to maximize results and accomplish more.
Last but not least, we get down to movement.
I recently gave a TEDx talk, and the key takeaway was movement and momentum.
I’ll post a link to the talk when it drops in early January 2024.
Movement is the key to getting results in anything you seek.
Movement means doing, acting, and putting yourself out there.
Enough manifesting and wishing for what you want. Go out and make it happen.
Any movement (in any direction) is better than staying still in one place.
Even if you feel down and out, keep moving. This could be by taking a small daily step toward the bigger goal.
If you can keep moving every day, you will create consistency in your routine and life.
Thus, you’ll create the results you want.
The 40,000 foot view is critical in elevating your life.
Not only that but if you can also utilize big-picture moments and movement, you’ll be well on your way to creating the life you’ve always wanted.
When you’re caught up in the small stuff and small tasks, it leads to time wasted and busyness.
Using these 3 methods will help you focus on more of what matters and help you navigate your path.
Zooming in on a specific part of your life can be great, but please know the value of zooming out and seeing it from above.
Check out my brand new Career Flight Plan - Cheat Sheet!
It will help you to improve your view and get more precise on your future career plans.
Chris M Wilson
Chris M Wilson is a career coach, entrepreneur, blogger, author, creator, and doer. He is passionate about helping people leave the job they hate and jump into their dream careers!
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