Making A Paradigm Shift

A simple definition of a paradigm is the way you see something, your point of view, your frame of reference or belief. 

Each person views the world differently.    Each person can view the same thing in a completely different way.

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."  - Anais Nin

To illustrate a paradigm shift experience here is an article written by Frank Koch taken from the magazine of the Naval Institute, “Proceedings.” 
 

A Captain’s Paradigm

Two battleships assigned to the training squadron had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days. I was serving on the lead battleship and was on watch on the bridge as night fell. 

 
The visibility was poor with patchy fog, so the captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities.  

Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing of the bridge reported, "Light, bearing on the starboard bow."

 
"Is it steady or moving astern?" the captain called out.

 
Lookout replied, "Steady, captain," which meant we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship.

 
The captain then called to the signalman, "Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees."

 
Back came a signal, "Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees."

 
The captain said, "Send, I'm a captain, change course 20 degrees."

 
"I'm a seaman second class," came the reply.  "You had better change course 20 degrees."

 
By that time, the captain was furious. He spat out, "Send, I'm a battleship. Change course 20 degrees."

 
Back came the flashing light, "I'm a lighthouse."

 
We changed course.

Just imagine what will happen if the captain refused to listen and insisted that he is right, as he is, after all, the captain of a battleship?

A paradigm shift is a way of looking at something differently.   When we make a paradigm shift, we can see, think, feel, behave and react differently.   For example:  People used to think that the earth is flat.  Sailors proved that the earth is round … a paradigm shift occurred.

There are times in our life when changing the way we look at things thus making a paradigm shift can have a dramatic effect on our lives.  Having the strength and open-mindedness to see things in another light, and letting go of your ego to see it in the other person’s perspective, can dramatically make a difference in your life and how you react to others and vice versa.

For example, if you’re having difficulties or disagreements with someone close to you (your significant other, kids or work colleague), it is important that you listen to the other person’s perspective so that you can understand where they are coming from and why they are reacting the way they did.

Once you understand how they view the situation, you will have a much better understanding of the situation and will be able to work through the differences that you have with them.   But, first, you got to release your ego (which is sometimes hard to do especially, if you are a parent, the boss, the superior, etc.)  ... that you are always right ... all of the time!
   

So, the next time you are in a situation, remember that you can handle it better if you can see what the other person is seeing.  You got to take the time to listen to the other person and come from a place of love to save a relationship or a situation.

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