What does "keeping thnigs in perspective" mean?

Question

Sorry, I've misspelt things.

Answer 1

"Keeping it in perspective" means to evaluate and understand it based upon the all the factores related to it.

Answer 2

Dear Purple,
"keeping things in perspective" is difficult for some, yet can come naturally to others.
To me, it means to know your limitations and understand the choices you make in life. Many circumstances can offer you multiple choices.
And all each of us has are choices.
A lot will depend on your age and upbringing, and possibly your peers.

But from my own experience, your question boils down to this:
1. Know yourself
2. Know right from wrong
3. Remember the Golden Rule
4. Do not act selfishly
5. Be considerate of others.
6. Weigh the facts of your situation(s) and available choices
7. Decide what is really important to you in life and how it will effect you for the future.

Your question is simple. The answers are not.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Bob

Answer 3

Perspective has to do with taking a long and broad view.

If you have to wait in line 10 minutes and you throw a hissy fit, and act and feel as though you've suffered the worst injustice ever -- you need to put things in perspective.

Ten years from now, will that seem a big deal? No, you won't even remember it. (I prefer the ten year rule to the 100 year rule, as it's within one's life -- nothing about my life will matter in 100 years, even if my entire life was unending suffering, but that is rightly a big deal to me -- so that's too broad a rule.)

Or, looking beyond things in one's own life, freaking out over a minor injustice, neglecting the major injustices.

(I can't help thinking of the recent bru-ha-ha over Michael Richard's tantrum. Although he was disgusting and loathsome, he doesn't have any real power over anyone. It's not as big a deal as the fact that my government is committing torture daily -- for example. But US media has absolutely no sense of perspective whatsoever.)

As they say, don't sweat the petty stuff (and don't pet the sweaty stuff).

Answer 4

Perspective is a viewpoint. Depending on how we look at things we can
get a different perspective. Almost anything can become more tolerable
if we can get the right perspective. Even a loved one's death can be a
blessing if that person was suffering....now they are no longer in pain.
It is a very good idea to try different perspectives. It makes life more
tolerable.

Answer 5

Same as:
"Don't put the cart before the horse."
"First things first."

An example of people losing perspective is when they date. People get so uptight about first dates. It's as if they think they are going to spend the rest of their lives with the person they are about to meet and spend a few hours with. It's just a date, not a marriage.

Hope that helps.

Answer 6

Hi,
It means thinking rationally about any given situation. "Rational" thinking is having a balanced viewpoint taking into account all of the know variables. I'ts not to be confused with "thinking positively" or "looking on the bright side" which it often can be. Keeping things in perspective is fundamentally one's ability to see things clearly, outside of any of your own negative or positive bias and with no known prejudice.
Confused myself now?
Steve

Answer 7

It means to assume the correct priorities in relation to relevant issues. Handle the important things first, and leave the lesser stuff to deal with when you are not so busy. Put your foremost respect and regard for those who deserve them, and ignore the peons who clamor for your attention until the VIPs have finished speaking.

Answer 8

Striving to maintain a state of grace between extreme viewpoints on any event or situation. To strive towards open-mindedness. To live in a state of moderation - not too far to the right and not too far to the left.

of course, being all so human, we can only strive for these kinds of principles in our daily living. but the key is to strive towards keeping ones balance on the tight-rope of life.

Answer 9

You look at a situation from every angle and decide if it is a big deal, or small change- and deal with it accordingly. Don't act on emotion or you may make a fuss when none is warranted.

Answer 10

Remember what's really important, and "not sweating the small stuff". Will it really matter in a week if you didn't get to the dishes in the sink this morning?