You may have noticed that when you read books, watch movies, and TV shows, you may get a different perspective from the author or the characters in the story. There are many reasons for this. We need to understand how our perspectives affect our reactions to the stories we consume.
If you want to succeed in the workplace, you need to know how to think from the other person's point of view. You may not be able to change your boss' mind, but you can at least be aware of how his or her actions impact your own.
A good way to practice perspective taking is to watch a movie or TV show that has characters that are a bit different from yourself. Doing so will not only make you more thoughtful, but will also be more fun.
When you have to deal with a particularly difficult situation, it can be helpful to distance yourself from your own perspective. This can help you to deal with it more effectively, and to better understand its impact.
There are several simple ways you can achieve self-distance. One method is to talk about the problem to someone you know. Explaining your situation to an outsider helps to reframe it, and challenges biases.
Another option is to find an objective person to explain your project to. Talking to a friend or family member who has a different perspective can give you fresh insight into your situation.
Refocusing a story from the perspectives of several characters is no small feat. It will require a fair amount of finesse and a few beers but the rewards are worth it. The most gratifying part of the experience is that you'll be able to reap the rewards of a more rounded out character. This will make you a better writer. So, what are you waiting for? Get to writing! One thing to keep in mind is that if you don't have a penchant for writing, a good editor is a must.
Affect intensity is the intensity with which people subjectively experience their emotions. It is important in emotional regulation. In particular, people who experience high levels of affect intensity may be more susceptible to negative outcomes.
Some studies have reported that taking an observer's perspective can reduce feelings of emotional intensity. For example, in one study, participants were taught to view thoughts and feelings from the outsider's perspective. They were then asked to rate a picture from the perspective they were given.