A Clear Perspective

I recently purchased a new pair of eyeglasses. I was overdue for an eye exam, so it was a big change in lens power. A few months ago, I realized I couldn’t stretch my arm far enough to read smaller print (for those over 40, you know what I mean). After my new lenses arrived, I had a headache until my eyes adjusted that evening. What a difference the new prescription made in my vision!

This experience is much like trying something new. Change is stressful, and we get used to things “the way they are.” Sometimes, we can gradually implement changes in our lives, and other times, we just need to make more dramatic changes. While there is an adjustment period that is not much fun, we can remember the reason we are making the change. I needed to change my lenses, as my vision was declining. The next day, I could see things, especially small print much better.

I was concerned that the change in prescription would be a bigger adjustment than it actually was. This is how situations often are, when we procrastinate decisions. We make the change out to be bigger than it really is, which makes the situation worse. Procrastination leads to more anxiety, as the situation is getting worse, and we have less time to complete the task if we are on a deadline.

Many times, the worst-case scenario of the decision is really not that bad at all. Indecision is another contributor to anxiety. Sometimes, we want to know all of the variables when making a decision, which is impossible to accomplish. When we realize we can control only some of the factors, we can make the best decision, then reassess the situation later. Our self-confidence because we have better decision-making skills. We now have with a better perspective looking through clear lenses!