15 Things to Do When You Need a Change in Perspective

Our thoughts can sometimes get away from us, but just like a wild fish on a hook, we need to reel them back in. We have to take charge of our minds, instead of our minds taking charge of us.

But wanting a change in perspective is not the same as working for one. Doing so requires some practical effort on our part, some seeking God, and a sure willingness to change. If that’s what you’re after today, then here’s what you do when you need a change in perspective.

1. Step into Nature

Even if you’re not into camping or hiking, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air can bring unexpected clarity. There’s something about the beauty in God’s creations that reminds us life can be good and pleasing. Not only that, but life is fleeting, and taking certain things too seriously is pointless. Some animals hunt for food on a daily basis, but God takes care of them (Matthew 6:26). Won’t He take care of us?

By observing something that exists outside of ourselves, even for just a moment, we stop thinking about our problems and focus on something positive instead.

2. Walk Around

A nice walk around a park, your home, or even the office can provide the perspective you need to see a situation differently. For starters, walking away from something like an argument gives you time to cool off and reflect. You can then take time to process before coming back to the discussion.

If your situation is different, a walk could simply be a distraction where for thirty minutes or an hour, you’re in motion, changing up your focus, spending time in nature, and potentially running into folks. Less time spent worrying is more time spent in peace. A walk also provides a good time to pray.

3. Pray

Prayer is probably the most obvious way Christians can find the change in perspective they need before seeing a change in circumstances. Scripture makes clear that if we are in need of wisdom, God delivers generously (James 1:5). We simply have to ask. Praying out loud can be helpful, too, for people who like to process information by talking.

4. Read Bible

Speaking of the Bible, reading Scripture is something we should all do if a good perspective is the goal. Sometimes we lack because of what we don’t know, maybe even what we don't want to know. The Bible brings light to the areas of confusion and unknowing in our lives, giving us the wisdom we need to make well-informed decisions.

5. Read Anything

If you’re not reading Scripture at the moment, picking up a totally different book could be beneficial too. Whether nonfiction or fiction, romance or horror, reading offers distraction, but also potential insight when we read about stories where people encounter situations similar to our own. Not to forget self-help books that can offer their own tidbits of helpful insight.

6. Recite Scripture

When life gets rough, remembering godly truths does not always come naturally. If someone asks you to share what’s wrong, you may be able to rattle off a list without pause, but if they asked why you should take hope in God, would you be able to do the same?

Commit some verses to memory and recall them when the doubts set in. That’s a sure way to prevent a sinful perspective from overriding a godly one.

7. Write

Journaling can be a great way to self-reflect. By putting words to paper, we can, at times, step outside of our own minds, and take on a more objective perspective. If journaling is not your forté you could always try writing something else, a letter to God, a letter to the person you wish you could talk to (but probably shouldn’t). In short, writing offers a different way to think.

8. Talk to Someone

For whatever we lack in perspective relying on ourselves, we can find additional wisdom by consulting other people. Relatives, friends, and sometimes a stranger. Despite how much we may want to, we don’t know everything. Thankfully, by being in community, we don’t have to know all things at all times.

9. Talk to Church Leadership

Pastors and other church leaders can also offer valuable insight. These people are typically more biblically-literate than your average day person.

10. Get Real with God

While most of us understand prayer as a way of initially connecting with God, not all of us get real with God, let alone on a daily basis. Sometimes the only way we get to that point is when life brings us to our knees, but what if we didn’t wait until then? Getting deep and honest may just provide the perspective we’re after.

11. Listen to Music

Music can be a great way to change up our focus, or even take a deep dive into the emotions we’re feeling. The right song or right playlist may just bring a smile back to your face.

12. Go for a Drive

For those who enjoy driving, hitting the road can offer time to think, reflect, sightsee, and garner that positive perspective. Sometimes staying in the same spot, namely, where the bad perspective started, just won’t cut.

13. Sleep

One sure way to stop consciously thinking is to be asleep. That’s not to say that bad dreams won’t occur, but if you don't dream, then there is a clear benefit.

14. Exercise

The feeling after a good workout is bliss, and the time we spend working out can be great for clearing the mind.

15. Dance

Just like exercise, dancing offers the same benefits. And when you dance to worship music, suddenly you are not just connecting with the music but honoring God in your body.

Conclusion

Whether you’re old or young, perspective doesn’t come easy, not without practice. What we have to keep in mind is that our circumstances, the good, the bad, and the ugly, all change. But the Lord, on the other hand, does not. Let that truth be a source of encouragement today. You may be asking God plenty of questions, questions that He isn’t answering yet, questions your peers can’t handle, but questions that keep you up late at night nonetheless.

Believe me, you are not alone. Rely on what you know about God. Seek the truth, and perspective will come to you, eventually.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.’” This is the Lord’s declaration. ‘For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

“‘For I know the plans I have for you’—this is the Lord’s declaration—‘plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 9:11)

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/scyther5 

Aaron D'Anthony Brown is a freelance writer, hip-hop dance teacher, and visual artist, living in Virginia. He currently contributes work to iBelieve, Crosswalk, and supports various clients through the platform Upwork. He's an outside-the-box thinker with a penchant for challenging the status quo. Check out his short story “Serenity.”