Think from a different perspective

put yourself in someone else's shoes

As a woman who has been in business for many years, I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw this picture. The two figures in the image, each standing their ground on whether it’s a “6” or a “9,” remind me of scenes I’ve encountered in business meetings where differing opinions lead to heated debates. Of course, it also brings to mind the trivial standoffs we face in life, like deciding whether to have “red wine or white wine” for dinner.

After years of hard work in the business world, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: debating who is right or wrong is not always the key; what truly matters is whether you are willing to look at the issue from a different perspective. For instance, during market research, I used to worry that the data might not be objective enough, but I later realized that genuine market trends sometimes lie hidden within seemingly unrelated customer feedback. By shifting my perspective, I managed to uncover potential business opportunities during an expansion and saved myself countless arguments with partners.

Of course, as a single woman, my life isn’t solely about business negotiations and contracts. Occasionally, I relish some personal time on my days off, whether it’s delving into exciting investment portfolios or relaxing with a few funny short videos. Sometimes at friend gatherings, I use the “6 and 9” story to ease awkward moments or heated discussions. After all, the dynamics of “does he love me or not” and “should we have Chinese or Italian tonight” are quite similar.

I still remember a moment when I felt slightly down about a business deal that didn’t go through. My best friend told me, “Don’t stress too much. Treat elusive business opportunities like elusive love—face them with a calm heart.” Just like what the picture illustrates, there are so many perspectives we can choose from in the world. Often, all we need is a fresh viewpoint and a touch of humor.

After all, being single is not a problem to be solved; it’s simply a freedom of choice. I believe that whether it’s about a client whose order wasn’t fulfilled or those moments of solitude in life, we can find solace in humor. Perhaps this sense of humor not only inspires me in the business realm but also brings me a little joy amidst the busyness of life. Continuing to seek the perspective that belongs to me and freely switching between 6 and 9 is, after all, the life philosophy of a mature woman in business.