Outside perspective

So despite having been freelance for nearly 3 years, taking myself out in the middle of the day still feels like sneaking out. I snuck out to Kew Gardens last week to see the new Orchid display. It was wonderful, as was walking around in nature in the winter sunshine. And importantly it gave me some much needed perspective, and is something I’m going to do more of without ‘sneaking out’ guilt in 2025.

The power of perspective

It’s easy to get stuck in the loop, both in life and in business. You sit at your desk, scrolling through industry chatter, drowning in client work, and comparing your progress to the latest success stories on LinkedIn. It’s the digital version of an echo chamber, reinforcing the same patterns of thought and leaving little room for real clarity.

The best way to break free? Step outside - literally and figuratively.

Get outside

Nature has a way of expanding our thinking. When you step away from the screen and the relentless to do lists, your brain can get out of its loop. You make space and find perspective that you simply can’t see when you’re glued to a desk.

Perspective on your agency

Just as you need a physical reset, your agency can benefit from an outside perspective. When you're caught up in the day-to-day of running an agency: client pitches, team meetings, project firefighting, it’s nearly impossible to see the big picture.

External advisors, mentors, or even agency peers can offer a clearer view of what’s working, what’s not, and where the real opportunities lie. They’re not caught in the same cycles you are, which means they can point out blind spots, challenge assumptions, and introduce fresh strategies that wouldn’t have surfaced otherwise.

Let perspective do its thing

Whether it’s a long walk or a long chat with an industry expert, the key is to step away from the familiar. The right perspective won’t tell you what to do, it’ll create the space for you to see it for yourself.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uninspired, try a simple fix: Get outside. Then, bring the same thinking to your agency. A fresh perspective might be exactly what you need to move forward.