Feeling stuck in life or relationships? Discover how changing perspective — inspired by puzzles — can unlock clarity, growth, and solutions.
One of my favourite pastimes is doing puzzles — and the more complicated they are, the more I enjoy them. Over the years, many people have asked me how I manage to complete them so quickly. The answer is surprisingly simple.
I rely on two core principles:
- I change my perspective whenever I feel stuck.
- I check the “instruction” — the small reference image that shows the full picture I’m working towards.
Recently, I realised how powerfully these same principles apply to everyday life and problem-solving — often multiple times a day.
Why changing perspective matters
Let me start with perspective.
Whenever I’m working on a puzzle and reach a point where nothing seems to fit, I don’t force it. Instead, I stand up and rotate the puzzle, or I walk away and return a few minutes later.
At first, it feels strange to continue working with the image sideways or even upside down. Yet something fascinating happens. The puzzle pieces haven’t changed — they’re exactly the same — but suddenly new shapes, colours, and connections stand out.
The whole picture is still there.
I’m just seeing it differently.
That small shift often makes all the difference.
Life, problems, and puzzles
Life works in much the same way.
When we face obstacles, challenges, or complex decisions, we tend to look at them from a single angle — our own. Often, the solution isn’t missing at all. It simply isn’t visible from the perspective we’re currently holding.
Changing perspective is like climbing a hill to gain a wider view of the landscape. By shifting your angle — mentally, emotionally, or even physically — you open up new pathways and possibilities that were previously hidden.
When you feel stuck, this simple act of reframing can be the key to moving forward.
Perspective in relationships
The same principle applies in relationships.
We naturally experience situations from our own point of view and often forget that our partner is seeing the same situation through a completely different lens. Even when values align closely, the path to a solution may differ.
Just like a puzzle, it doesn’t matter which side of the table we start from. The final picture can be the same — as long as there is respect for different approaches and perspectives.
Understanding this can reduce conflict and create space for empathy, patience, and deeper connection.
Perspective and teamwork
Now imagine four people working together on a puzzle, each sitting on a different side of the table. We might assume that the person sitting at the “bottom” has the most natural view and should lead.
In reality, the strength lies in collaboration.
Each person sees something different. One notices colour patterns, another sees shapes, another recognises structure. When these perspectives come together, progress accelerates.
The same is true in teamwork, family dynamics, and leadership. Projects don’t move forward through individual viewpoints alone — they progress through shared insight, cooperation, and openness to different angles.
Sometimes, all that’s needed to move forward is a fresh pair of eyes.
Growth, maturity, and flexibility
Until we’re presented with another perspective, we often assume our own is the best one. This is usually because we’ve faced something similar before and rely on what worked in the past.
But similar doesn’t mean identical.
Even if a situation appears the same, we have likely changed. With time comes experience, and with experience comes wisdom. This ability to adapt — to reconsider, reframe, and evolve — is one of the defining traits of highly effective leaders.
The capacity to shift perspective keeps us flexible, resilient, and open to growth.
And sometimes, it’s the only thing standing between feeling stuck and moving forward.
To be continued…
If you find yourself feeling stuck — in a situation, a relationship, or a decision — it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong. Often, it simply means you’ve been looking at the puzzle from the same angle for too long.
Coaching offers a safe space to pause, step back, and explore a new perspective. Together, we look at the same pieces — your experiences, values, and goals — but from angles that allow clarity, movement, and conscious choice to emerge.
Sometimes, meaningful change doesn’t require more effort.
It requires a different way of seeing.
If this resonates, you’re welcome to explore that shift with me.
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