Putting things into perspective takes practice but can become a habit – one that can help you as an individual and a member of a team to make better, more-informed decisions.

 

We have seen how discussion using open questions promotes a sense of psychological distance, which helps to calm both the mind and the body. The same approach is used in the P3 Method, in which your focus is directed towards both the long- and short-term (abstract and concrete) components of your situation and your plan. It encourages calm by invoking the higher purpose, then takes an objective planning role as it prepares you to take your next concrete step, already prepared for emotional setbacks by considering what might go wrong. This is not a pessimistic outlook, but a contingent approach. Some might call it ‘attentive optimism’ or ‘dreaming with your eyes open’!

 

• Purpose: What is my end goal? What is important about it to me?

 

• Plan: What steps do I need to take? What is my first step? What is my immediate goal? What do I need to complete this step? What obstacles might I encounter?

 

• Progress: How shall I measure how well I’m doing? How frequently am I expecting feedback? What can I do to resist the need for instant gratification?

 

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