Over the last month or so I have had a lot on the go. We sold our old house and have been renting a house for a few weeks until our new one is completed (which we should move into next week if all goes well). I have been experiencing new challenges at work which although difficult are slowly expanding my situational context and ability to adapt. I have been sick and temporarily lost my voice (which is like dying for me, as those of you who know me personally know I love talking). I have been reading lots of philosophy books and been completing tertiary assignments and exams. I have also been spending time making new friends and putting myself in new situations.

Although I have had a lot on and have felt at times that things are too much for me, the reality is that I am only seeing life from my point of view. Sitting back and reflecting, I can see the benefit in taking an objective view and stepping outside our niche.

When we live daily life, we tend to forget about the rest of the world (and the universe for that matter). We are essentially such small beings, but our daily life issues seem and feel so large and unbearable. It is only when we put these issues and concerns into perspective that we begin to gain a little sense of control over our reality.

When reflecting and putting things back into perspective in my life, the first thing I did was start viewing things on a macro scale again. I haven't watched T.V. or paid much attention to the major issues facing the world and as a result I have not been personally affected by them. However, this has made me forget just how many other people there are out there facing difficult situations. Reviewing things on a macro scale every now and then seems to help realign our circumstances on a micro scale, allowing us to gain control of our reality.

Another thing I do is keep in mind that I am going to die someday. Although death is a subject many people try to avoid it is something that we all have to go through. It is funny how the tasks we never seem to get completed and that appear so difficult don't bother us anymore when we are dead. This helps put things into perspective for me and makes me realise that I can walk away from any situation and it will not make a huge difference to the way the world works in the long term.

Lastly, I try to see how people are facing circumstances in their life. Everyone goes through tough times and others have managed to get through worse situations that myself and have come out better than I have. Finding out their stories greatly improves my tenacity and drive to achieve.

Gaining perspective in our current situation should encourage us to act. Knowing that our issues are small, that we will one day die and these issues will be forgotten and that others have overcome worse situations should inspire us to achieve more. Knowing that in 100 years time or more that our failures will be irrelevant (and if they aren't that we still left an impact) is one of the greatest motivating thoughts I have come across. Without worrying about the fear of failure (because in the grand scheme of things failure will not matter), courage to take on new tasks develops. We can start taking actions and make adjustments as necessary with confidence and free from worry.

Action is a slow process that sees long term results. Our savings increase a few dollars at a time. Projects are completed one milestone at a time. A marathon is run by putting one foot in front of the other and continuing this process. When action and persistence are mixed, results are fixed.

I started on this path by simply working through the above three areas. I am still on my way to greatness, but I notice the results and the challenges that occur on the journey. Here is the process for stepping outside your niche to realign your perspective: