There is a lot of value in introspection. It allows us, for example, to reflect on our behavior and learn from it. It also allows us to develop a sense of our inner world and how it relates to the outer world.

As always, when it becomes the main focus, it transforms itself into something less helpful. It lacks a counterweight.

Having different perspectives on something puts everything in perspective.

In his book “Extraordinary Golf” Fred Shoemaker suggests being extrospective instead of introspective. He writes “Look around, see where you are and whom you’re with. Actually meet your playing partners, instead of just shaking their hands and not really seeing them or remembering their names.”

Naturally, he suggests this within the context of playing a round of golf.

But why limit it to playing golf when there are other situations in which one is in the company of others?

The point Shoemaker makes is that it is by focusing on the real things that it becomes possible to play extraordinary golf.

This idea isn’t limited to golf. Most of the real things are outside of us. Many of the thoughts and feelings appearing in us aren’t. They are transformed by perception.