Have you ever needed a change of scenery? Have you ever felt the desire to look at something another way or change your point of view? Chances are you have had these thoughts and feelings at some point. If you have ever replaced a picture frame to dress up a photo or painting, then you understand the concept of the “cognitive frame”. Your mind is the most powerful super computer that has ever existed. Although it is hard to realize at times, your ability to drastically shift your conceptualization of an experience, a person, a subject matter, etc. rests within the “frame” you place around the issue. Does this sound simple? Are there any hidden tricks to the pursuit of this ability? Well, it is both simple and complicated, and the only trick is your personal commitment to the practice of changing your cognitive frame.
Confidence, optimism, faith, love, hard work and perseverance are words that we hear as traits to strive for or to sustain. The cognitive frame is no secret formula. It is a combination of these traits coupled with any other strategies you may use to view the world in a better way. The template that you place over all of your experiences has great impact on the experiences themselves. So go ahead, find that old picture or painting that you were thinking about expediting to the next yard sale. Invest some time, money and patience toward a new frame to embrace and protect this underwhelming image. The next thing you know, this piece of art will be prominently displayed in your home or place of work. It will garner compliments and serve as wonderful conversation piece. Suddenly you will have a desire to repurpose all those old images in the back of your closet.
Shifting the cognitive frame you possess is more than a tool, it is a lifestyle. Like any lifestyle changes, it will grow and strengthen the more you practice and commit to this point of view. Pick and experience, a subject or a person that has brought stress and turmoil to your life. Practice mindfulness in your approach to changing the frame you place around these issues and how you consume them. Identify the redemptive traits in that person who frustrates you or the job you dislike. Recognize your own ability to make choices about how you distribute your energy and prioritize that valuable effort in a self-nurturing direction. Redecorate your point of view and be amazed at your D.I.Y. abilities to promote more meaningful direction in your own life and the lives of those you care about most.
