The Power of Perspective

Welcome to The Subtle Shift, a weekly newsletter where I share small but powerful ideas to help you lead with clarity, inspire change, and create a lasting impact. This week’s issue is about shifting from feeling like a victim of circumstance to stepping into leadership of your own life—by seeing challenges not as things happening to you but as opportunities happening for you. If you find this valuable, share it with someone needing a new perspective.

From “Why Me?” to “What’s This For?”

At some point, we’ve all felt like life—or leadership—is happening to us.

1. You get blindsided by a last-minute project.
2. A key employee quits at the worst possible time.
3. A client pulls out of a deal you were counting on.
4. Your boss or board makes a decision you strongly disagree with.

It’s easy to feel like the universe is against you in those moments.

But what if the fundamental shift isn’t changing the situation—but changing how you see it?

Your Assumptions Shape Your Experience

There’s a fundamental distinction between two mindsets:

1. The “This is happening to me” mindset
   1. Sees obstacles as unfair setbacks.
   2. Reacts emotionally, feeling frustrated or powerless.
   3. Looks for someone or something to blame.
2. The “This is happening for me” mindset
   1. Sees obstacles as opportunities to grow.
   2. Responds with curiosity instead of frustration.
   3. Looks for the lesson or hidden advantage.

It’s subtle—but game-changing.

The truth is setbacks often contain the very lessons, adjustments, or redirections we need in order to grow, even if we don’t recognize them in the moment.

Three Subtle Shifts to Move from Victim to Leader

If you want to shift your assumptions around why things are happening, here are three subtle shifts to make:

1. Shift from Reacting to Reframing

Instead of immediately labeling something as bad, pause and ask:

“What could be useful about this?”

That tough feedback from your boss may be a chance to sharpen your skills.

Losing that client opens space for an even better opportunity.

A failed project may teach you a lesson that saves you down the road.

🔹 Ask yourself: What would that mean if this were happening for me?

2. Shift from Blaming to Owning

When things don’t go your way, focusing on external causes is easy. But what if you focused on what you can do?

Instead of “They didn’t support my idea,” ask, “How could I have framed it differently?”

Instead of “This change is unfair,” ask, “How can I make this work in my favor?”

🔹 Ask yourself: What’s within my control here?

3. Shift from Resistance to Acceptance

Not everything is ideal, and not everything has an immediate silver lining. But resisting reality doesn’t change it—accepting it does.

The best leaders don’t waste time wishing things were different. They accept what is and use it to their advantage.

🔹 Ask yourself: Given that this is happening, what’s my best move?

The Leaders Who Make the Biggest Impact See Challenges Differently

Leaders who operate from the belief that things are happening for them navigate change better, make smarter decisions, and stay composed under pressure.

They don’t get stuck in frustration. They move forward with purpose.

So, as you go through this week, challenge yourself:

What’s something you’ve been resisting that might actually work for you?

Look closer. There may be an opportunity hidden in plain sight.

Here’s to a week of new perspectives, unexpected advantages, and successful subtle shifts.