Today, I want to talk about shifting your paradigm to achieve personal growth and transformation. This post is inspired by Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a book that has significantly impacted my journey.

Working to shift my paradigm has been one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had. It completely changed how I approach my work and relationships, and I’m excited to share how I did it. 

I’ll start by explaining what a paradigm is, then walk you through five actionable steps that helped me shift mine, leading to deep, transformative change. Let’s get into it!

What is a Paradigm?

Before we proceed, it’s important to understand a paradigm. A paradigm is essentially a model or framework—a way of seeing and understanding the world.

We each have a unique way of seeing the world—our paradigm. We often assume that our perspective is how things truly are or should be. This belief shapes our attitudes, influences our thoughts, and drives our actions in every aspect of life.

Many of us believe that our view of the world is accurate and unbiased, assuming our perspective is purely factual. But the truth is, we do not see the world as it is; we see it as we are or as we’ve been conditioned to see it. Our view reflects our beliefs, perceptions, and experiences. This is why it’s crucial to be aware of our worldviews—our paradigms—and recognize how much our experiences shape them.

Whether correct or not, our paradigms are at the root of our attitudes, behaviors, and, ultimately, our relationships with other people. We must take responsibility for these paradigms, examine them, test them against reality, listen to others, and remain open to different perspectives. Doing this allows us to gain a broader, more objective view.

Stephen Covey calls this a “paradigm shift”—when we see something in a completely different way. Paradigm shifts move us from one perspective to another, leading to powerful changes.

Why Shift Your Paradigm?

So, why should you want to shift your paradigm? People shift paradigms because they want significant change in their attitudes and behaviors—they want true transformation. That’s why I do the work. And doing the work means getting to the core of who I am, understanding how I see the world, and uncovering the root causes of my beliefs and actions.

Some paradigm shifts happen quickly, while others take time and require a deliberate process. To see the world differently, we need to be different. Investing in our growth and development allows us to shift our paradigms and ultimately change how we view the world—and how we view the world is a reflection of our character.

Here are the five ways I shifted my paradigm:

Step 1: Recognize Your Current Paradigm

The first step to shifting your paradigm is recognizing your current paradigm. A paradigm is essentially the lens through which you see the world—your beliefs, assumptions, and the way you interpret everything around you.

For me, this means keeping a journal, writing down my core beliefs, and asking myself, “Why do I see the world this way?” It also means doing yoga and practicing mindfulness, which makes me more aware of the assumptions shaping my thoughts and actions.

Without this awareness, I would be unclear about my life’s direction. So, take some time to reflect on your beliefs and identify where they come from. Awareness is the first step toward change.

Step 2: Challenge Your Assumptions

Step two is all about challenging your assumptions. Once I recognized how I viewed the world, I realized that just because I thought a certain way didn’t mean it was correct. For example, as an educator and coach, I often assumed that resistance to change stemmed from a lack of motivation or fear. However, challenging this assumption helped me see that resistance often comes from genuine uncertainty, lack of understanding, or past negative experiences.

I began challenging my assumptions by approaching others with more empathy and offering the support they needed to navigate change. I started listening actively, asking open-ended questions, and acknowledging that change naturally brings discomfort and uncertainty.

Challenging my assumptions and confronting my internal dialogue isn’t always easy, but it opens my eyes to new perspectives. So, find opportunities to engage with different ideas, listen deeply, and ask yourself if your assumptions are truly accurate.

Step 3: Be Open to New Perspectives

Step three is to actively seek out new perspectives. This means intentionally exposing yourself to voices that expand or challenge your views. I love engaging with different viewpoints from all over the world—whether through podcasts, traveling, books, or community events. Instead of reacting defensively, I ask myself, “What can I learn from this?”

One of my favorite ways to gain new perspectives is to attend school board meetings and panel discussions and dedicate time to reading. I read for at least 30 minutes to an hour daily to gain new insights into other people’s experiences.

The more I open myself to others’ perspectives, the more my worldview expands. Each experience gives me a richer, more nuanced understanding of reality. Being open isn’t about abandoning your beliefs (unless, of course, they are harmful)—it’s about expanding them.

Step 4: Invest in Personal Growth

The fourth step is to invest in your own growth. Paradigm shifts don’t just happen—they require us to grow as individuals. For me, this means practicing self-reflection and developing habits that align with who I want to become.

Whether it’s reading, meditating, or engaging in activities that challenge you, growth requires commitment. As I work to develop healthier habits, I notice my paradigms naturally begin to change, aligning more with my values of freedom, education, empowerment, creativity, and community.

Step 5: Embrace the Process of Change

Finally, step five is to embrace the process. Some paradigm shifts happen instantly, but others take time—and that’s okay. I had moments of instant realization, but many of my shifts happen gradually, through consistent reflection and practice.

Change can be challenging, and you might face resistance, both internally and externally. But trust that the process of shifting your paradigm will lead to powerful change. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

In Summary

So, those are the five steps that helped me shift my paradigm: Recognize your current paradigm, challenge your assumptions, be open to new perspectives, invest in your growth, and finally, embrace the process. Remember, the way you see the world influences everything—your actions, your relationships, and even your sense of purpose.

Reflection Questions 

What core beliefs do I hold about myself and the world around me, and where did these beliefs come from?

How do my current assumptions influence how I interact with others, and are these assumptions always accurate or fair?

When was the last time I actively sought out a perspective different from my own, and what did I learn from that experience?

What’s one belief or assumption you hold that, if shifted, could lead to a positive change in your life?

---

Thank you for reading! Please let me know which of these steps resonates with you the most and share your response to one of the reflection questions in the comments. Remember to keep learning, keep taking action, and keep reflecting!

With love and a paradigm shift,

Tamera