Find Your Perspective

In everything we do, we have a perspective. From our thought processes to our personal style, we each see the world uniquely. When we’re young, we mimic others in hopes of finding ourselves. Some of us gravitate toward what’s popular and mold ourselves around those norms. Others lean toward the fringe of society. Some strive for a balanced view, exploring all sides.

No matter the path, by your mid-20s to early 30s, you’ve likely developed a unique perspective on the world. Your trials, opportunities, failures, and victories shape how you see things. Along the way, you also develop your personal version of empathy.

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The Role of Empathy

Empathy is the key to navigating life successfully. You don’t need to experience cancer to empathize with someone battling it. You don’t have to face eviction, hunger, or shame to understand the pain of those who do. Similarly, you don’t need to win a major award or achieve something monumental to share in someone else’s joy.

This level of empathy—feeling others’ highs and lows—plays a significant role in your own success. If you live without considering the people around you, you may eventually find yourself on shaky ground with no one to help you up. Life is unpredictable. At any moment, we’re all one step away from catastrophe or bliss. How you handle these shifts often ripples through your relationships.

How Perspective Can Shift

Let’s explore how perspectives can evolve. I’ll use a personal and admittedly controversial example: abortion. Before we go further, let me clarify that I’m not here to argue or persuade anyone. This is simply my truth based on my journey.

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A Personal Evolution on Abortion

I grew up Christian, with the belief that abortion was unequivocally murder. This perspective stayed with me through my 20s. However, as I grew older, I realized that life is rarely black and white.

Abortion, by definition, refers to ending a pregnancy—a term that encompasses medical cases, too. For example, in an ectopic pregnancy, the only medical option to save the mother’s life is to terminate the pregnancy. Suddenly, the term abortion isn’t so absolute.

Then there are cases of rape and incest. While I still dislike the idea of abortion, I could never expect a 12-year-old to carry the child of their abuser.

These realizations reshaped my views. While I still wrestle with the moral dilemma, my perspective has evolved into a more nuanced, complex understanding. This growth came from challenging the foundation I was raised on and ultimately adapting my beliefs.

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Growth in Creativity: Finding Your Art Style

Not all perspectives are as heavy or complex as the abortion example. Let’s look at a lighter, personal topic: art style.

As an artist, you start by mimicking. Some people have natural talent, but even they often mimic without realizing it—drawing from nature, cartoons, or other influences. I spent years mimicking various artists, developing skills in different disciplines. Yet, I often felt like a poser because none of the styles truly felt like me.

Then, in my 30s, I had an epiphany: the ability to master multiple styles is a style. It’s okay to blend influences, to step outside traditional genres, and to create something uniquely yours. That realization birthed my artistic perspective.

Today, I’m still inspired by the art around me. For example, my recent illustrations were influenced by two friends: Thong, my tattoo artist, and Eric, my SPARC cofounder. Both are masters of multiple styles, and their work helped me unlock new facets of my own style.

If I had clung to the beliefs, skills, and ideas I had at eight years old when I painted my first picture, I would have stagnated. Growth comes from challenging yourself and embracing change.

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The Takeaway

The moral of this soapbox? Challenge yourself. Challenge your point of view. Whether in art, work, or personal beliefs, don’t hold onto old limitations. Fact-check yourself constantly.

Stay flexible and open to growth. But also strengthen the things you know to be fundamentally true. Life is a journey of evolving perspectives—embrace it.