Seek And You Will Find...

On Perspective, and how you always find what you are searching for.

As someone who has lived the majority of their life in the warm embrace of Florida, the idea of venturing into cold climates wasn't exactly appealing. I found solace in the swaying palm trees, the ranch-style homes, and the endless stretches of sandy beaches. The humid warmth had become my comfort zone. But then, I took a trip to Portland, Maine, in the heart of December, and everything changed.

Stepping into a different part of the East Coast, where cold winds cut through layers of clothing, and the scenery was vastly different, wasn't just a change in weather; it was a shift in perspective. Instead of grumbling about the lack of perpetual sunshine, I decided to seek out the beauty of this chilly adventure.

Our days were filled with brisk winds and sights of ports surrounded by rocky landscapes, a stark contrast to the sandy shores I was accustomed to. And you know what? It was breathtakingly beautiful. It wasn't the familiar beauty of my Floridian landscape, but it was beauty nonetheless. The food was amazing, although a bit different than the southern comfort food I grew up on, I had some of the best seafood that you can find anywhere in America. I savored the best lobster roll that I have ever had and enjoyed my first-ever Maine potato doughnut.

This experience taught me a profound lesson about perspective. Our perceptions shape our experiences. It's not about the external circumstances; it's about how we choose to see them. If we seek the negative, we'll undoubtedly find it. Conversely, if we seek the positive, we'll discover a world of beauty even in the coldest of climates.

Our view of the majestic Portland Head Light. One of our favorite stops during our stay in Portland, Maine.

In leadership, the power of perspective is equally transformative. It's not about the challenges we face but how we perceive and approach them. If we're constantly looking for faults, shortcomings, and obstacles, that's precisely what we'll find. However, a perspective rooted in optimism and a search for the good can turn even the most difficult situations into opportunities for growth.

Leadership requires the ability to see beyond the surface, to find the silver lining when storms gather. It's about approaching each challenge with the intention to uncover what's good and lovely. This intentional perspective not only transforms the way we navigate difficulties but also influences those we lead.

When we bring a positive perspective to the table, it becomes infectious. Our team absorbs this outlook, fostering an environment where challenges are viewed as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. A leader's perspective sets the tone for the entire group.

My journey to Portland reminded me that beauty is not confined to one specific landscape or set of circumstances. It's everywhere, waiting to be discovered by those with the eyes to see it. As leaders, we have the power to shape our experiences and those of our teams by the lens through which we view the world.

So, the next time the winds of change blow cold, remember the lessons from Portland. Embrace the unfamiliar, seek the good, and let your perspective be the guiding light through the chilliest of situations. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and as leaders, we are the architects of our vision.

Where was the last place you traveled that was different than what you were used to and made you fall in love with it?

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