Look East, Then West

Today I walked out the door, facing east, and thought: Oh—the rain has cleared. It’s going to be a nice day.

Then I turned west.

The sky was black with rain clouds. It was obvious that soon it would heave down.

Same day - same moment - two completely different perspectives.

If I’d looked west first, I might have thought: More rain is coming. Stay inside. Go later. Grab a jacket.

Perspective is everything.

In any given scenario, our brains are wired to see things a certain way. These cognitive biases are shaped by our lived experiences—messages from parents, teachers, and peers; the stories we’ve built over time about who we are and how the world works; and the beliefs and values that sit underneath it all.

This isn’t a flaw—it’s efficiency.

Our brains are constantly forming patterns so we can quickly assess situations: read a room, judge a risk, decide whether we like someone. It’s useful for survival, but it’s not always accurate.

In coaching, we help people step beyond that default lens.

Often, the very beliefs and narratives that once served us become the things that hold us back—keeping us stuck in unhelpful thinking patterns or behaviours that no longer support our health and wellbeing.

One powerful tool comes from the Stoics: the bird’s-eye view. Imagine lifting up—higher and higher—until you can look down on your situation from above the clouds. In that wider context, what once felt overwhelming can shrink into something less threatening and more manageable.

Another tool is almost the opposite.

Instead of only looking for the positive (east), we deliberately look west—anticipating what could go wrong.

This isn’t about spiralling into negativity. It’s about preparation.

When we take time to consider potential challenges—and importantly, how we want to respond—we build confidence. We reduce uncertainty and create a sense of control.

I’ve used this often in endurance coaching: athletes who’ve mentally rehearsed setbacks perform better when things don’t go to plan. They’re not surprised—they’re ready.

The same applies to behaviour change.

When clients identify likely hurdles ahead of time, they’re far less likely to lose momentum or give up when those challenges inevitably show up.

Behaviour change is hard. But with the right tools—and a willingness to shift perspective—it becomes far more achievable.

So today, notice where you’re looking.

Are you only facing east? Only west?

What happens when you turn your head?

What might a different perspective unlock?