November 25, 2024 • 9 mins
Welcome to Day 14 of the “Start Thinking Forward” 22-Day Challenge. In today’s episode, host Brandon L. Draper dives deep into one of the most transformative tools for personal growth: perspective. Our perspectives shape the way we see the world, interpret challenges, and respond to setbacks. But here’s the secret—perspective isn’t fixed. It’s a skill you can develop to turn obstacles into opportunities and pain into power.
This episode will explore the neuroscience of perception, stories of individuals who reframed their circumstances to achieve greatness, and practical strategies you can use to shift your mindset and unlock your potential. With actionable exercises, thought-provoking insights, and powerful real-world examples, Brandon challenges listeners to rethink how they see their lives and the challenges they face.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Serebro AI, for providing tools to help you gain clarity, track progress, and build systems for personal transformation. Tune in daily to the Start Thinking Forward Podcast at 7:30 AM EST, and don’t miss our AI Weekly News Recap segment every Saturday. Become a paid supporter for $11.99 to help us continue bringing you life-changing content.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/start-thinking-forward-podcast--1229199/support.
This episode will explore the neuroscience of perception, stories of individuals who reframed their circumstances to achieve greatness, and practical strategies you can use to shift your mindset and unlock your potential. With actionable exercises, thought-provoking insights, and powerful real-world examples, Brandon challenges listeners to rethink how they see their lives and the challenges they face.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Serebro AI, for providing tools to help you gain clarity, track progress, and build systems for personal transformation. Tune in daily to the Start Thinking Forward Podcast at 7:30 AM EST, and don’t miss our AI Weekly News Recap segment every Saturday. Become a paid supporter for $11.99 to help us continue bringing you life-changing content.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/start-thinking-forward-podcast--1229199/support.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back to the Start Thinking Forward Podcasts. I'm your host,
Brandon L. Draper, and today we're diving into something that
has the power to completely transform.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Your life, perspective.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
This is day fourteen of our twenty two day challenge.
And if you've made it this far, you're already proving
something important. You're willing to do the hard work.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
But here's the thing.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Doing the work is only part of the equation. How
you see the work, how you interpret the challenges you face,
and how you frame the story of your life are
what ultimately determine your success. Perspective is everything. It's the
lens through which we see the world, and it shapes
the way we think, feel and act. But here's the secret.
(00:49):
Perspective isn't fixed. It's something you can shift, adjust, and transform.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
And when you do, you can change your life.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
So today we're going to dive deep into the power
of perspective. We're going to explore the science behind it.
Here's stories of people who used it to overcome incredible odds,
and most importantly, learn how you can apply it to
your own life. Let's start with the simple truth your
perspective creates your reality. Two people can face the exact
(01:23):
same situation and come away with completely different experiences. Why
because it's not the situation that matters, it's how you
interpret it. Your brain is constantly filtering information. Every second.
Your senses are bombarded with data, sounds, sites, smells, and more,
(01:43):
but your brain can't process it all, so it filters
out what it thinks is unimportant and focuses on what
aligns with your perspective. Here's the catch. If your perspective
is negative, your brain will filter the world through a
negative lens. You'll see problems instead of opportunities, failures instead
(02:04):
of lessons, and obstacles instead of pass forward. But if
your perspective is positive, your brain will do the opposite.
It will focus on solutions, possibilities, and growth. The reticular
activating system R as the reticular activating system RS, is
(02:24):
a network of neurons in your brain stem that acts
as a filter for your attention. It determines what information
gets through and what doesn't. For example, if you're thinking
about buying a red car, you'll suddenly start noticing red
cars everywhere. That's your RS at work. The same principle
applies to your perspective. If you believe you're unlucky, your
(02:45):
r as will filter the world to confirm that belief.
But if you believe you're capable and resourceful, your r
as will highlight evidence to support that belief. Take out
a notebook and write down one belief you have about
yourself or your life.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Ask yourself, how.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Is this belief shaping the way I see the world.
What evidence is my brain filtering to support this belief.
Now write down a new belief you want to adopt.
For example, instead of I'm not good enough, try I'm
constantly growing and improving, commit to looking for evidence that
(03:24):
supports this new belief. One of the most powerful ways
to shift your perspective is through reframing. Reframing is the
process of looking at a situation from a different angle.
It's not about ignoring reality, it's about choosing a more
empowering interpretation of it. Let me give you an example
Thomas Edison's perspective on failure. When Thomas Edison was working
(03:49):
on the light bulb, he failed thousands of times, but
Edison didn't see those failures as setbacks.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
He saw them as steps forward.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
He famously said, I have not failed, I've just found
ten thousand ways that won't work.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
That's the power of reframing.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Instead of seeing failure as a dead end, Edison saw
it as part of the process reframing a challenge. Think
about a challenge you're facing right now.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
Write it down.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
Now, ask yourself, what's one positive thing I can take
away from this situation?
Speaker 2 (04:22):
How can this.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Challenge help me grow, learn, or improve? Write down your answers.
This isn't about ignoring the difficulty, It's about finding the
opportunity within it.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Let's dig deeper into the science.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Your brain is constantly adapting to your thoughts, emotions, and
experiences through a process called neuroplasticity. Every time you think
a thought, your brain strengthens the neural pathways associated with
that thought. This is why your perspective, positive or negative,
(04:57):
becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Doctor Martin Seligman's Learned Optimism.
Doctor Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, conducted groundbreaking
research on how perspective affects resilience. In his book Learned Optimism,
Seligment explains that optimistic people tend to interpret setbacks as temporary,
(05:22):
specific and external. Pessimistic people, on the other hand, see
setbacks as permanent, pervasive, and personal.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
The good news.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Optimism is a skill you can learn by consciously reframing
your perspective. You can train your brain to interpret challenges
in a more positive and empowering way practicing optimism. Think
about a recent setback, Write down your initial interpretation of it.
(05:52):
Now reframe it using the three principles of optimism.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Temporary. This is a tough moment, but it will.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Has specific This challenge is about one aspect of my life,
not my entire life.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
External.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
This setback isn't entirely my fault. There are factors outside
my control. Practice this with every setback you encounter. Your
perspective is shaped by the stories you tell yourself. Are
you telling yourself a story of failure, victimhood, or limitation,
or are you telling yourself a story of growth, resilience,
(06:32):
and possibility. Oprah Winfrey's story of resilience. Oprah Winfrey faced
incredible adversity early in her life, poverty, abuse, and discrimination,
but she didn't let those circumstances define her story. Instead,
she reframed her challenges as stepping stones to greatness. She
(06:55):
saw her pain as a source of strength in her struggles,
as a foundation for empathy and connection. Oprah story is
proof that the stories we tell ourselves can shape our reality.
Writing a new story Think about a story you've been
telling yourself about your life. Ask yourself, this is this
(07:18):
story empowering or limiting? What new story do I want
to tell? Write down your new story. Be specific, Describe
the person you're becoming in the life you're creating. Gratitude
is one of the simplest and most effective ways to
shift your perspective. When you focus on what you're grateful for,
(07:39):
you train your brain to look.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
For the positive.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
This doesn't mean ignoring challenges. It means choosing to see
the good alongside the bad. The science of gratitude studies
from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley show
that practicing gratitude can improve mental health, boost resilience, and
even enhance physical health. Gratitude activates the brain's reward system,
(08:07):
releasing dopamine and serotonin chemicals that make you feel good.
Daily gratitude practice Every evening, write down three things you're
grateful for.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
They don't have to be big.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Small moments of joy, kindness, or progress count over time.
This practice will train your brain to focus on the
positive perspective is about clarity, and clarity is the foundation
of transformation.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
That's where cerebral AI comes in.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
This platform helps you track your progress, identify patterns, and
build systems for growth.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
If you're ready to shift your perspective.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
And create lasting change, check out us out at s
E R E b R O dot ai. Write down
one area of your life where you feel stuck. Now,
reframe it using what you've learned today and ask yourself this,
what's the opportunity within this challenge? How can I grow
or improve because of this experience? Commit to seeing this
(09:11):
situation through a new lens. Perspective is powerful. It's not
about changing the world around you, It's about changing the
way you see it. If this episode resonated with you,
share it. Let's inspire others to rethink their challenges and
transform their lives. Until next time, keep moving forward, keep
(09:34):
thinking forward, and keep transforming your perspective.
Welcome back to the Start Thinking Forward Podcasts. I'm your host,
Brandon L. Draper, and today we're diving into something that
has the power to completely transform.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Your life, perspective.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
This is day fourteen of our twenty two day challenge.
And if you've made it this far, you're already proving
something important. You're willing to do the hard work.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
But here's the thing.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Doing the work is only part of the equation. How
you see the work, how you interpret the challenges you face,
and how you frame the story of your life are
what ultimately determine your success. Perspective is everything. It's the
lens through which we see the world, and it shapes
the way we think, feel and act. But here's the secret.
(00:49):
Perspective isn't fixed. It's something you can shift, adjust, and transform.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
And when you do, you can change your life.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
So today we're going to dive deep into the power
of perspective. We're going to explore the science behind it.
Here's stories of people who used it to overcome incredible odds,
and most importantly, learn how you can apply it to
your own life. Let's start with the simple truth your
perspective creates your reality. Two people can face the exact
(01:23):
same situation and come away with completely different experiences. Why
because it's not the situation that matters, it's how you
interpret it. Your brain is constantly filtering information. Every second.
Your senses are bombarded with data, sounds, sites, smells, and more,
(01:43):
but your brain can't process it all, so it filters
out what it thinks is unimportant and focuses on what
aligns with your perspective. Here's the catch. If your perspective
is negative, your brain will filter the world through a
negative lens. You'll see problems instead of opportunities, failures instead
(02:04):
of lessons, and obstacles instead of pass forward. But if
your perspective is positive, your brain will do the opposite.
It will focus on solutions, possibilities, and growth. The reticular
activating system R as the reticular activating system RS, is
(02:24):
a network of neurons in your brain stem that acts
as a filter for your attention. It determines what information
gets through and what doesn't. For example, if you're thinking
about buying a red car, you'll suddenly start noticing red
cars everywhere. That's your RS at work. The same principle
applies to your perspective. If you believe you're unlucky, your
(02:45):
r as will filter the world to confirm that belief.
But if you believe you're capable and resourceful, your r
as will highlight evidence to support that belief. Take out
a notebook and write down one belief you have about
yourself or your life.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Ask yourself, how.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Is this belief shaping the way I see the world.
What evidence is my brain filtering to support this belief.
Now write down a new belief you want to adopt.
For example, instead of I'm not good enough, try I'm
constantly growing and improving, commit to looking for evidence that
(03:24):
supports this new belief. One of the most powerful ways
to shift your perspective is through reframing. Reframing is the
process of looking at a situation from a different angle.
It's not about ignoring reality, it's about choosing a more
empowering interpretation of it. Let me give you an example
Thomas Edison's perspective on failure. When Thomas Edison was working
(03:49):
on the light bulb, he failed thousands of times, but
Edison didn't see those failures as setbacks.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
He saw them as steps forward.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
He famously said, I have not failed, I've just found
ten thousand ways that won't work.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
That's the power of reframing.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Instead of seeing failure as a dead end, Edison saw
it as part of the process reframing a challenge. Think
about a challenge you're facing right now.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
Write it down.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
Now, ask yourself, what's one positive thing I can take
away from this situation?
Speaker 2 (04:22):
How can this.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Challenge help me grow, learn, or improve? Write down your answers.
This isn't about ignoring the difficulty, It's about finding the
opportunity within it.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Let's dig deeper into the science.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Your brain is constantly adapting to your thoughts, emotions, and
experiences through a process called neuroplasticity. Every time you think
a thought, your brain strengthens the neural pathways associated with
that thought. This is why your perspective, positive or negative,
(04:57):
becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Doctor Martin Seligman's Learned Optimism.
Doctor Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, conducted groundbreaking
research on how perspective affects resilience. In his book Learned Optimism,
Seligment explains that optimistic people tend to interpret setbacks as temporary,
(05:22):
specific and external. Pessimistic people, on the other hand, see
setbacks as permanent, pervasive, and personal.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
The good news.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Optimism is a skill you can learn by consciously reframing
your perspective. You can train your brain to interpret challenges
in a more positive and empowering way practicing optimism. Think
about a recent setback, Write down your initial interpretation of it.
(05:52):
Now reframe it using the three principles of optimism.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Temporary. This is a tough moment, but it will.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Has specific This challenge is about one aspect of my life,
not my entire life.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
External.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
This setback isn't entirely my fault. There are factors outside
my control. Practice this with every setback you encounter. Your
perspective is shaped by the stories you tell yourself. Are
you telling yourself a story of failure, victimhood, or limitation,
or are you telling yourself a story of growth, resilience,
(06:32):
and possibility. Oprah Winfrey's story of resilience. Oprah Winfrey faced
incredible adversity early in her life, poverty, abuse, and discrimination,
but she didn't let those circumstances define her story. Instead,
she reframed her challenges as stepping stones to greatness. She
(06:55):
saw her pain as a source of strength in her struggles,
as a foundation for empathy and connection. Oprah story is
proof that the stories we tell ourselves can shape our reality.
Writing a new story Think about a story you've been
telling yourself about your life. Ask yourself, this is this
(07:18):
story empowering or limiting? What new story do I want
to tell? Write down your new story. Be specific, Describe
the person you're becoming in the life you're creating. Gratitude
is one of the simplest and most effective ways to
shift your perspective. When you focus on what you're grateful for,
(07:39):
you train your brain to look.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
For the positive.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
This doesn't mean ignoring challenges. It means choosing to see
the good alongside the bad. The science of gratitude studies
from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley show
that practicing gratitude can improve mental health, boost resilience, and
even enhance physical health. Gratitude activates the brain's reward system,
(08:07):
releasing dopamine and serotonin chemicals that make you feel good.
Daily gratitude practice Every evening, write down three things you're
grateful for.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
They don't have to be big.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Small moments of joy, kindness, or progress count over time.
This practice will train your brain to focus on the
positive perspective is about clarity, and clarity is the foundation
of transformation.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
That's where cerebral AI comes in.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
This platform helps you track your progress, identify patterns, and
build systems for growth.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
If you're ready to shift your perspective.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
And create lasting change, check out us out at s
E R E b R O dot ai. Write down
one area of your life where you feel stuck. Now,
reframe it using what you've learned today and ask yourself this,
what's the opportunity within this challenge? How can I grow
or improve because of this experience? Commit to seeing this
(09:11):
situation through a new lens. Perspective is powerful. It's not
about changing the world around you, It's about changing the
way you see it. If this episode resonated with you,
share it. Let's inspire others to rethink their challenges and
transform their lives. Until next time, keep moving forward, keep
(09:34):
thinking forward, and keep transforming your perspective.
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