As you turn the page on your calendar, do you anticipate the year ahead with eyes that see possibilities or dread?
“It's not what you look at that matters; it's what you see.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
What you “see” depends on your perspective. Let’s look at a few key areas in which we, as professionals communicating about nutrition and health, may need a fresh perspective.
A fresh perspective on the labels we use…
Words are powerful, especially the labels we use to define ourselves and others. Words identify who we are, for better or worse.
Here are a few common ones you may encounter as a nutrition professional:
Obese When we say “_____ is obese,” we are labeling them, translating obese into the person’s identity, one that is stigmatized harshly. For a fresh perspective, use people-first terminology by saying, “_____ is a person living with the disease of obesity.” Obesity is not who _____ is, but a complex health issue to address, with medical nutrition therapy a part of the solution.
Diabetic This label is similar to obese and needs to be replaced with a fresh perspective and people-first language: “_____ is a person living with diabetes.”
Lazy This label is often given to people living with obesity, an assumption that they would not have obesity if they were more active. When people label themselves as “lazy” it becomes a powerful un-motivator. For a fresh perspective, if someone is less active, focus on building motivation to participate in enjoyable and meaningful movement. Not to lose weight but to gain health and have fun.
Poor This label is used for people with limited financial resources. It is negatively focused. Like lazy, labeling ourselves or others as poor can become a powerful un-motivator to bring about productive change. For a fresh perspective, focus on how resourceful those who live with limited financial resources can be. When people realize how much they do with the little they have, they will perceive themselves as resourceful. This is a perspective that recognizes one's assets and abilities.
Picky This label defines people as having very limited food preferences, used primarily with children, in a negative and defeating manner. When someone defines themselves or others as picky, they often become even less willing to try new foods. For a fresh perspective, help them begin to view themselves as a food explorer in training, someone who is willing to take small steps towards experimenting with new foods. These small steps begin with learning about a variety of foods with no pressure to taste... Where do foods come from, what do they look and smell like, what are the different ways they are prepared, and more.
What other labels can you think of that are self-defeating and deserving of a fresh perspective?
A fresh perspective on the challenge to communicate clearly, concisely, and compellingly…
The consumers and clients we serve are confused. They are inundated with misinformation and don’t know what to believe. We are here to communicate the truth, but if we don’t communicate it clearly, concisely, and compellingly, we will be ignored.
Gain a fresh perspective on this challenge and look for new approaches to reach your audiences with messages that are meaningful to them, resonate with their values, inspire positive change, and are accurately remembered.
Begin by connecting afresh with your audience. Find out what they want and need to have clarified, what confuses them, and how they prefer to receive their messages. Begin where they are. Look for examples that will provide appropriate context.
Check for understanding. Gain feedback during and after delivering your messages to make sure they are received in the manner intended. Fine-tune and adjust your communication as needed.
A fresh perspective on challenging circumstances…
Life is messy for us and for those we serve. Assume that everyone you encounter is dealing with something. Life is one challenging circumstance after another with occasional breaks.
Consider all the situations that lead to heightened stress and anxiety. Concerns over personal safety, political unrest, and finances are significant. Work burnout is at an all-time high.
Rather than feel powerless, gain a fresh perspective, one that focuses on what you CAN do and what you can empower others to do: Schedule time for self-care, create boundaries, ask for help, reflect on how you have dealt with challenges in the past successfully, and be willing to learn new ways to deal with challenges.
Communicate with empathy. Listen. Offer encouragement. Look ahead with hope. Choose joy.
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ~ Wayne Dyer
A previous post shared quotes about having a fresh perspective. Write one on a note card and memorize it.
This post builds on the previous two, where we explored the importance of establishing meaningful priorities, passing on the unrealistic expectations that bring you stress, and focusing on establishing priorities that bring you joy.
" The only thing you sometimes have control over is your perspective. You don't have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it." ~ Chris Pine
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