I’m more convinced than ever that we’re all alike in more ways than we care to admit. What seems to matter most (and what explains our perceived differences) is the lens through which we view the world and the way we decide to reach our goals.

These things are influenced largely by our world view and our peer group but the overriding x-factor is the conscious decision we make to determine where we stand on issues, why we believe what we believe, and whether or not we have the courage to renounce previously held beliefs after developing a clearer perspective on something.

And as it turns out, the people I’ve come to respect most tend to profess a mastery of few things. Instead, they simply share their observations and their personal path to success in their craft and how to reach a particular end based on what has worked for them.

Our diverse views of the world can coexist peacefully if we develop a more empathetic perspective and look first to understand why others have certain viewpoints rather than taking the mental shortcut that is labeling someone and refusing to consider an issue more deeply.