Sometimes we get so close it is increasingly difficult to see things as they are. We can get caught up in details which aren’t relevant to the overall situation. We can end up focusing so much on an element we are unable to see beyond it. Our perspective gets skewed as we get used to looking at things from a specific angle.

Understanding the broader impact of our actions, words and decisions helps us make better choices. Standing back and taking the time to appreciate a wider view, helps us think more rationally.

When we look at ourselves, we generally do so from specific angles. Whether physically observing our reflection or whether we are considering our skills, abilities or broader attributes, we often do so from a set position. We can do so with a preconception which could be good or bad, true of false. It is especially hard to be objective about ourselves. We’re fundamentally too close.

But it is at these critically moments that objectivity can make the most positive impact in our lives. By making sure that we take the time to understand the bigger picture we can avoid being too callous, too selfless, too obnoxious, too self-indulgent or too self-critical.

This takes practice. Making time throughout the day to take stock of your current situation and the broader impact of your endeavours, helps train the approach to seeing yourself in a more objective way. Modern life is fast paced so it can be almost impossible to step back at every critical point during the day. Creating a habit of repeatedly standing back at other times in the day helps shift the mindset so that you can have a more effective approach at the critical times.

Using your morning to specifically take this approach in your journal can help, as can setting reminders throughout your day to make five minutes to adjust your view point. Apps like Mind Jogger can make this easier as actively scheduling the time can be cumbersome or do no more than create a switch on / switch off schedule.

Ultimately, find something that works for you. Try to keep it going, no matter how difficult you find it. It doesn’t take long before the more calm and rational self appears: make make better decisions and become more congruent with who and how you want to be.