There’s a hard truth we all need to hear once in a while: our personal experiences, however rich or painful or enlightening they may be, make up just a microscopic fraction of what’s happening in the world. It’s so easy to forget that, to get wrapped up in our little bubble, and before we know it, we’re convinced that our version of reality is the reality. But here’s the thing—our experiences are only one tiny thread in the giant, chaotic tapestry of life.
This isn’t about discounting our experiences; they’re incredibly meaningful, and they shape us in profound ways. But we get into trouble when we start to believe that our reality is the only reality that exists. When we make assumptions based on our experiences alone, we close ourselves off from understanding the world as it actually is—rich, complex, and much bigger than what we see through our own eyes.
Our Bubbles Aren’t Big Enough
Think about it: all the moments you’ve lived through, all the things you’ve learned, they form a minuscule fraction of what’s happening every day across the globe. Our life experiences might shape 80% of how we understand the world, but they represent less than 0.00000001% of the world’s actual happenings. That’s a mind-bending thought. What this means is that our worldview is largely incomplete. And the kicker? Most of us don’t even realize it.
It’s like living in a small town and assuming every place is as quiet and simple as your hometown. When you’ve never seen the lights of a bustling city or the vastness of an open desert, it’s easy to assume that everywhere else must feel the same way. The same happens with our life experiences. If you haven’t been through something, it’s hard to grasp the full picture of it. So, we rely on the tiny slice of life we know, and it narrows our vision without us even realizing it.
Why We Need to Check Our Own Perspectives
When we forget how limited our experience is, we risk developing rigid beliefs and assumptions. It’s like putting blinders on—we see what’s right in front of us and miss everything else. This limited view can hold us back, especially when we’re dealing with complex issues like relationships, career choices, or even understanding other cultures and perspectives.
But here’s where the magic happens. Recognizing the limits of your experience and seeking out different perspectives makes you a better friend, a better spouse, a better human. Suddenly, you’re open to learning, growing, and adapting in ways you wouldn’t have been if you stayed within the walls of your own experience. You get curious about what’s out there, and that curiosity makes you wiser and more compassionate.
How to Expand Beyond Your Own Reality
The first step is simply recognizing that there’s a lot you don’t know. Embrace that humility. Remind yourself that every person you meet is living a reality as rich and complex as yours but likely very different.
Here are a few ways to start broadening your worldview:
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Ask Questions More Than You Make Statements
- Next time you catch yourself saying, “Well, this is how it is,” pause and turn it into a question. “Is this really how it is? Could there be another way of seeing it?” Just that small shift can open your mind in huge ways.
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Read Widely—And Not Just What You Agree With
- Pick up books, articles, or listen to podcasts that challenge your beliefs. Reading perspectives that aren’t naturally aligned with your own is like a workout for your mind. It stretches your empathy and understanding, even when you disagree.
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Travel, If You Can
- I don’t mean just taking vacations to relax; I mean travel with intention. Seek places and experiences that are outside your comfort zone. If travel isn’t possible, go out of your way to learn about different places, cultures, and lifestyles.
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Engage in Conversations Without Trying to “Win”
- We all love a good debate, but there’s value in conversations where we listen to understand, not to respond. Next time someone shares something that doesn’t fit with your worldview, try listening with curiosity instead of judgment.
Life is Bigger than Our Experiences—And That’s a Gift
It can be a little humbling, maybe even unsettling, to realize how limited our view of the world really is. But here’s the truth: if we approach life with open hearts and minds, willing to learn and grow, we get the best of both worlds. We get to honor the richness of our own experiences and use them as a lens through which we interpret life. But we also get to broaden that lens, adding depth and color by seeking out new perspectives.
Remember, your life may be a tiny sliver of what’s out there, but every time you stretch yourself beyond it, you add layers to who you are. You become a little wiser, a little more empathetic, and a lot more equipped to navigate a world that’s way bigger than your own backyard.