How Mindset Affects Perspective: What Do You Choose to See?

During a recent leadership training session, I used an image of a train to illustrate a powerful point.

Which way is the train going? Towards you or away from you?

The truth? It’s both. It all depends on what you tell your brain to see.

If you say it’s moving away, your brain finds evidence to support that. Tell it the opposite, and it adjusts accordingly.

What Does This Have to Do with Mindset?

A lot. Because just like the train, your mindset shapes how you interpret the world around you.

• If you believe the world is against you—you’ll start to see “proof” of that everywhere.

• If you think your job is a hamster wheel you can’t escape, you’ll stay stuck.

• If you assume your kids are out to test your patience, every little thing will feel like a battle.

It’s not just theory—I see this in coaching clients all the time. They often come to me looking for a quick fix or a tool to solve a specific problem in their life or business. But more often than not, what’s really needed is a shift in perspective.

Your Model of the World Shapes Your Experience

Here’s the key: the way you see the world is just one model. It’s not the truth—it’s a version of it. And the good news is, you can choose a different one.

That doesn’t mean practical steps don’t matter. But without addressing how mindset affects perspective, even the best strategy can fall flat.

Once we change the way we think, we change the way we see. And from there, the way we act starts to shift too.

Try This: Reflect on Your Own Perspective

This week, ask yourself:

• What assumptions or perspectives am I holding that might be limiting me?

• Where could a simple shift in mindset help me see new opportunities or solutions?

• What would happen if I chose to view my situation differently?

Final Thought

Our minds are powerful. The way we prime them has a direct impact on how we experience life, work, and relationships. So before looking for external changes, take a moment to check how you’re framing the picture in front of you.

If this resonates and you're exploring coaching or team training to shift thinking and performance in your business, click here to get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.

Curious how this applies to your life? Why not get in touch with me on Linkedin (Darren Green PCC) and let's chat about how I can help you grow your professional and personal life!