The Perspective Shift That Changed Everything

A perspective shift can change everything

The Perspective Shift That Changed Everything

It began 17 years ago in the middle of one of the most difficult seasons of my life.

I made the most important shift of perspective in my life. And it can take less than 30 seconds a day to transform yours.

I was navigating loss, responsibility and a sense of being stretched in every direction. Yet that period became the start of something that has shaped every aspect of my life since: a daily practice of gratitude.

Re-reading my reflective article from a decade ago, I’m struck by how true its message remains. If anything, it feels more relevant now.

The pace of life, the pressure leaders hold, and the polarities we move between often leave little room for perspective. That was my experience too. I spent years driven by comparison and lack.

The turning point was remarkably simple: I learned to pay attention to what was already here, not what was missing. That small shift didn’t remove the challenges, but it changed how I met them. More openness. Less contraction. A deeper sense of connection to the people and possibilities around me.

Gratitude became a regular discipline, something joyful rather than forced. A way to regulate my internal state, widen perspective and stay anchored even when life felt stormy. It gave me more energy. Better balance. More clarity.

And most importantly, it helped me recognise and nurture the relationship that remains the greatest gift of my life. Recently, I had the privilege of celebrating ten years of marriage, a remarkable milestone for me on a journey of growth and joy, that fills me with deep gratitude in many ways.

A decade on, many of the practices remain the same, some have evolved. Noticing the transitions of the day. Keeping a gratitude list close, reviewing it regularly. Returning to reflect on and acknowledge the relationships and experiences that truly matter.

And yes, when asked what I want on any occasion, I still answer “world peace”. Clearly there is still much work to do on that front, but I have also learnt to apply the same shift to this and be grateful for every moment where peace exists.

The essence of my message remains unchanged:

If we each gave ourselves and each other the simple, daily gift of gratitude, not just once a year, but every day, the world we share would open and connect. We’d meet complexity with more clarity, each other with more compassion, and perhaps create conditions for all of us to flourish.

If you’re curious, here is a link to the original article.

A practice

Today, before you move on, take 30 seconds, pause, breathe, and notice one thing you’re grateful for today.

Just one thing...
Write it down and allow the gratitude grow in your body.
Feel it, don’t just think it.

Thank you for reading this, thank you for being you, and thank you for enabling gratitude to transform our world 🙏