Prioritize reframing your perspective
Change the frame to move forward.
What if someone feels stuck in a secure job that no longer fulfills them?
They might get unstuck by looking at the situation differently. For example, they might think that the only options are staying put or taking a risky leap. Seeing the situation as an opportunity to explore growth, both within and beyond the current job, can reveal paths that balance security and fulfillment.
✳️✳️✳️
Sometimes people get stuck in life, or in designing their life, due to the way they look at things. For example, someone might avoid making friends because they see themselves as socially awkward. Or they might feel trapped trying to climb the career ladder, believing it leaves no time for personal projects. Or they might feel stuck figuring out the next step in life or work, thinking they must choose the right path.
Looking at these situations from a different perspective can uncover options that were previously hidden and help people move forward. For the examples above, the person might see reaching out as a chance to practice social skills, view career and personal projects as complementary, or recognize that experimenting can lead to a path that works well enough.
A frame is a way of looking at the things we encounter. It acts like a cognitive lens, shaping how we perceive and interpret experiences. A frame directs our attention, determining what parts of a situation matter, what gets ignored, and what meaning we assign to our experiences. Reframing is simply choosing a new frame and seeing things differently.
There is always more than one way to view any situation, but we can never see a situation from all angles at once. We always have a point of view, and because we are usually unaware of it, we often mistake our interpretation for reality. That is why it helps to make prioritizing reframing a mindset. Actively looking for alternative perspectives can reveal possibilities that would otherwise remain hidden.
For example, two well-known frames are the optimistic frame and the pessimistic frame. Optimists tend to see the glass as half full, while pessimists tend to see it as half empty. It’s the same reality, just different ways of looking at it. Here are more frames and ways to reframe them:
👉 The elevator is too slow -> The wait feels slow, not the elevator.
👉 I have to go to the gym again tonight -> I get to work on my health again tonight.
👉 Life is full of annoying problems. -> Life is full of interesting challenges.
👉 I’m stuck. I have no idea how to proceed. -> I’m not stuck. I can always generate more ideas.
👉 I can’t dance well. -> I can’t dance well yet.
👉 I failed. I’m a loser. -> It didn’t work. I learned something.
Small reframes may seem trivial on their own, but over time they change how people think, decide, and act. In life, as well as in life design, progress rarely comes from a single big insight. It comes from repeatedly choosing perspectives that create room to explore and adjust. By replacing frames that no longer serve them, people can stay true to their purpose and values while remaining flexible in their positions. In this way, they adapt to reality in a creative and flexible way.
Framing is like the blind men examining an elephant, each feeling a single part, such as the tail, the leg, or the side. Reframing is like examining the other parts to reveal the whole picture.
Try the following strategies to turn the reframing mindset into a habit. Reinforce it by practicing these strategies consistently, or visualizing yourself using them. Plan for challenging situations and place visual reminders to stay on track. For more details, see Bring your desired mindset to life.
👉 Name the frame
When you feel stuck, identify how the situation is currently framed. Putting it into words creates emotional distance and makes it easier to shift. For example, if you feel stuck learning a new skill and think you’re not capable, naming this the “I am not capable” frame helps you step back and explore more helpful ways of looking at it.
👉 Treat frames as provisional
After naming the frame, treat it as provisional. Even when a frame feels obvious, assume there is a more helpful way to view the situation and look for it. Ask yourself, “How could I see this differently to make progress?” This approach keeps thinking flexible and opens the door to new possibilities.
👉 Practice reframing daily
Use everyday situations to practice reframing, such as waiting, minor setbacks, or routine obligations. For example, when stuck in traffic, you might frame it as wasted time. Reframing it as time to think reduces irritation. Practicing in low-stakes moments builds the habit, so it’s available when stakes are higher.
👉 Test reframes through small experiments
Treat reframes as hypotheses, not truths. Ask: If this new frame were true, what small action would make sense next? Take that step and see what happens. Let reality refine the frame. For example, if someone reframes social inadequacy as a lack of practice rather than a personal flaw, they might attend a few parties for just 30 minutes or focus on having some meaningful conversations. Observing how these actions play out helps refine the frame and build confidence.
🎉👏🎈
Reframing is a tool for getting unstuck and finding new possibilities in situations that feel limiting. By naming your frames, treating them as provisional, practicing daily, and testing frames through small experiments, you make flexible thinking a habit.
Related articles
You might find these related articles helpful:
🔗 One word can change everything
🔗 Reframe to enhance your feelings and actions
🔗 Frames: Lenses that shape our view of reality
