Understanding different perspectives can greatly enrich our lives and broaden our horizons. However, stepping out of our comfort zone can be challenging.
The key is to willingly and actively seek out these differing viewpoints. Thankfully, there are practical steps we can take to expose ourselves to different perspectives.
In this article, I’ll share 8 actionable ways you can start exploring the world through a different lens. Ready to shake things up? Let’s dive in.
1) Read widely
Reading is one of the most effective ways to expose yourself to different perspectives. But not just any reading – wide, diverse reading.
Books, articles, blogs, and even social media posts from a variety of sources can provide invaluable insights into how different people think and see the world.
There’s a big world out there filled with people who have different experiences, beliefs, and ideas. And reading is your ticket to exploring this vast landscape of human thought.
But be careful not to just read things that you already agree with. That’s called confirmation bias, and it can blind you to new perspectives.
So challenge yourself to read material from sources or authors you wouldn’t typically choose. It may feel uncomfortable at times, but that’s when you know you’re growing.
Remember, the goal isn’t necessarily to agree with everything you read. It’s about understanding other points of view. And who knows? You might discover a new perspective that changes your life.
2) Travel and explore
Traveling has been my personal gateway to understanding different perspectives. I remember my first solo trip abroad; it was to Japan. It was an eye-opening experience that exposed me to a culture significantly different from my own.
I was taken aback by the level of respect and discipline embedded in their culture. From the way they greet each other, the cleanliness of their cities, their punctuality, to their unique cuisine – it was a world apart from what I was accustomed to.
This trip made me realize that my way isn’t the only way. There are diverse ways of life and different norms out there. It’s truly humbling to experience them firsthand.
And you don’t necessarily need to cross oceans for this exposure. Even within your own country, you’ll find diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives. So get out there, explore, and embrace the learning journey that travel offers.
3) Engage in active listening
Active listening is a powerful tool for gaining new perspectives. When we actively listen, we fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said.
Interestingly, studies show that immediately after listening to someone, we usually recall only about 50 percent of what they said. And long-term memory of the conversation is even less.
Active listening goes beyond simply hearing the words spoken by someone. It involves a genuine interest and understanding of the speaker’s point of view. It’s about feeling their emotions and stepping into their shoes.
By practicing active listening, we can open ourselves to perspectives we might have otherwise missed. It allows us to engage more deeply with others and gain insight into their experiences and worldviews.
4) Volunteer for a cause
Volunteering is an excellent way to expose yourself to different perspectives. It takes you out of your daily routine and puts you in environments that you might not otherwise encounter.
When you volunteer, you meet people from all walks of life. You get to interact with individuals who have had different experiences and have different views on life.
Moreover, volunteering allows you to contribute to a cause that is bigger than yourself. This experience can shift your perspective from an individualistic focus to a more communal one.
So whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, building homes with a nonprofit organization, or teaching skills to underprivileged children – the act of volunteering can be a powerful way to broaden your perspective.
5) Engage in meaningful conversations
We often underestimate the power of a good conversation. Engaging in meaningful, heartfelt discussions with friends, family, or even strangers can significantly broaden our perspectives.
Each person we encounter has their own stories, their own triumphs and tragedies, their own lessons learned. And these stories can offer us a glimpse into different ways of experiencing the world.
Opening up our hearts and minds to these conversations requires vulnerability and empathy. It’s not always easy to listen to experiences that are vastly different from our own. But it is through this discomfort that we grow.
By being present in these conversations, by truly listening and understanding, we allow ourselves to connect on a deeper level and gain insights that can shift our perspective. So let’s not shy away from these moments, but rather embrace them for the richness they bring to our lives.
6) Attend workshops and seminars
I’ve always been a bit of a learning junkie. I love the thrill of diving into a new subject, exploring new ideas, and challenging my current understanding. That’s why I frequently attend workshops and seminars.
Once, I attended a seminar on climate change. As someone from a background not related to environmental science, it was an overwhelming experience. The depth of the crisis, the urgency for action, and the complexities involved were far beyond what I’d grasped from news articles.
This seminar challenged my understanding and forced me to reassess my lifestyle choices. It showed me a perspective that had been hidden in my daily life but was critical to comprehend.
So, whether it’s a seminar on world issues or a workshop on personal development, these platforms can offer fresh insights and expose you to different perspectives.
7) Join diverse communities
Joining diverse communities, both online and offline, can be a great way to expose yourself to different perspectives. These communities could be related to your interests, professions, hobbies, or causes you care about.
Being part of a diverse community exposes you to a wide array of thoughts, ideas, opinions, and experiences. It allows you to see issues from multiple angles and understand how different people perceive the same situation.
Moreover, being part of such communities encourages open dialogue and constructive discussions. It promotes understanding and empathy among its members, helping you to broaden your perspective and see the world in a more nuanced way.
So go ahead, join a book club, participate in a discussion forum, volunteer at a community center, or attend local meetups. The more diverse the community, the richer your learning experience will be.
8) Be open-minded
The most crucial aspect of exposing yourself to different perspectives is maintaining an open mind. Without it, all other efforts might be in vain.
An open mind allows you to accept ideas and experiences that are unfamiliar or contrary to your own. It encourages curiosity, fosters understanding, and promotes empathy.
Keeping an open mind doesn’t mean you have to agree with every perspective you encounter. Instead, it means being receptive to the possibility that there are many ways to see and interpret the world.
So remember, as you journey through diverse books, travel adventures, meaningful conversations, and vibrant communities – keep an open mind. It’s your greatest tool in this journey of broadening perspectives.
Final thoughts: It’s all about growth
The journey of exposing ourselves to different perspectives isn’t just about collecting viewpoints or increasing our knowledge. It’s about personal growth.
Every new perspective we encounter challenges our current understanding, forces us to question our beliefs, and pushes us to grow. It’s an enlightening journey of self-discovery, empathy, and expansion.
American novelist Marcel Proust once said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Perhaps the true power of different perspectives lies in their ability to give us those new eyes.
So as you venture into different books, travel to unfamiliar places, engage in heartfelt conversations, or immerse yourself in diverse communities, remember that you’re not just gaining new perspectives – you’re growing. And with every step forward on this path, you’re becoming a more empathetic and understanding person, capable of seeing the world in a richer, more nuanced way.
