The problem with a too-narrow scope

 


The book, Seven Blind Mice, clearly illustrates the problem a too narrow scope can create. Each of the mice see a part of the elephant, but none can see the entire animal. The mice miss the big picture.

Sometimes a narrow scope is exactly what's needed to hyperanalyze a specific issue, but in general, to solve problems well you have to see both the details and the big picture. 

In life, we see situations from our experiences, connections, knowledge, and ideas. Because we can't experience life from all perspectives, our view points will always include blind spots--we will never see all aspects of a situation. That's why it is important to make sure that we are broadening our scope in helpful ways. We have to see the world from multiple perspectives in order to make best possible decisions. How can we do that?

First, broaden your view via experiences and contacts. Social media, when used well, is one good avenue to broaden your perspective because you can follow people you might not ordinarily meet and hear/see their perspective. Visiting places near and far that you don't ordinarily experience is another way to broaden your perspective. I had that opportunity yesterday as I waited for a loved one at a city hospital--just waiting in front of the hospital broadened my perspective as I watched all kinds of people enter the hospital to get care they or their loved ones needed. Of course reading and research helps to broaden our perspective as do good films, podcasts, and documentaries. 

Some of the gravest prejudices and actions in society are caused by people's narrow, suffocating scopes. Get out there in ways that that you can regularly to broaden your scope--that will help to enrich your life and the lives of others in significant ways. You can do this.