How to Expand Your Worldview

Last week I asked you what your worldview is, and today I am giving you advice about how to expand it.

In case you didn’t read last week or click the link above, here’s the bottom line:

Our worldview is what we see when we look at our world: what we notice, what we ascribe value to and how we interpret what we see. And ultimately, our worldview impacts what we think, how we feel, what we talk about, what we do and the choices we make.

Which makes it a big deal.

But our worldview doesn’t have to be fixed – you can expand your worldview, and here are some ways to do it:

• Go to new places. When you experience new places, you see things in new ways. This doesn’t have to mean world travel (though it could). It could be new festivals, communities or neighborhoods.
• Talk to different people. Taking the time to talk to new people with divergent experiences helps you expand your worldview.
• Read different things. If you only read the same kinds of things, you can’t expand your worldview.
• Get news from new sources. Whatever news sources you normally consume, choose to read or listen from a different angle. It will help you see things in new ways.
• Ask more and talk less. The more you listen, the more chances to have to see a new perspective.
• Look at the world through a worldview lens. Think about interactions and situations as chances to see the world in ways you haven’t before.

I could make a longer list, but the strategies start here with these four pieces of advice:

• Be aware that an expanded worldview is worth the effort. Hopefully by now you see the value in seeing the world in bigger, broader and more divergent ways. It does take effort, so we must acknowledge that effort.
• Make intentional choices. Expanding your worldview or perspective will not happen without conscious decisions and effort.
• Be curious. Once you have decided to work on this, bring your curiosity to situations, experiences and conversations.
• Be observant, not judgmental. Our judgement keeps us from listening or understanding a perspective we don’t yet have. This is perhaps the most important part of your ability to expand your worldview.

As you practice these four things, you will be on a journey of learning and understanding.

This is a lifelong journey. While I know I take the advice I shared here consciously and regularly, there are plenty of times when I just don’t see what others see, and don’t understand their perspectives and decisions. I’ve come to view those moments as reminders that my work in seeing the world in broader and deeper ways is never done. And when I keep doing the work to expand my worldview, it is worth the effort.