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Where is Your Focus: The White Space or the Black Dot?

Where is Your Focus: The White Space or the Black Dot?

Dr. Dionne Kress, DM

Envision in your mind that you are starring at a blank sheet of white paper with a large black dot in the middle. What do you see first, the white space or the black dot? What do you focus on? If you only see the black dot and do not identify with the white space, what is it about that black dot that draws your attention? Do you see it as the main object on the page? How might our perception change if you considered the white space as the main object?

It has been suggested that when we only look at the blackness and do not consider the white space we are missing the bigger picture. When we only focus in on what we first believe to be the main attraction, we miss the rest of the event. Typically, people identify first with the black dot and do not consider the white space, which could hold the answers to the complexities in life.

Think of a time when you were trying to solve a problem or where up against a challenge, did you tenaciously keep trying to solve that problem from the perspective of the black dot or did you consider the white space. The white space represents surrounding circumstances or conditions encompassing the blackness. The surrounding white space may be more relevant providing an opportunity for learning and the solutions you are searching for. If you consider and explore the meaning and opportunity of the white space you may discover the problem you so persistently where trying to solve really was not the issue at all.

Let me give you an example: Let us say you are a person in your late 30′s and seeking to find a respectful, honest, and loving relationship. In your pursuit of this relationship, you continuously find yourself frustrated and disappointed by the people you meet. As you discuss this frustration with friends and family, you continually focus on what you believe to be a lack of available companions who have a parallel lifestyle, and complimentary values and beliefs. Your typical conversations consist of identifying red flags about each person you meet and how they do not live up to preconceived notions or expectations. The focus of frustration is the black dot; all the problems with trying to find that right person for you to share your life. As time moves forward, you begin to become resentful and angry, feeling as though the world is filled with strange people who are missing the main characteristics of being a respectful human being.

Now, how might your thought process change and how might you alter your pursuit of a new relationship if your focus were on the white space. What if you began to consider the bigger picture, the opportunities to learn and experience life from a new perspective. What if you reframed your approach to seeking a new relationship and you considered it an opportunity to meet new people who have interesting experiences and lives that can enlighten you. What if you considered your pursuit of a relationship as an adventure or journey through which you focused on gaining a new level of self-awareness realizing how others responded to you and your behaviors. What if you tried to find positive characteristics about each person you met that inspired you.

By changing how we view the black dot on the blank white sheet of paper, we change our perspective and focus. We begin to include all the events and circumstances that challenge us when we are trying to find a resolution. By exploring and embracing the bigger picture our attitude toward a problem or challenge will hopefully shift in a positive direction opening our mind, heart, and soul to what life can teach us.

About the Author

To contact Dr. Kress you can email her at dmkress@dmkress.com or visit her web page at www.dmkress.com.

Dr. Dionne Kress is a Leadership Development Professional, Business, and Health Coach. She helps businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in leadership roles define and accomplish personal, professional, and health goals. As a Coach, Dr. Kress encourages professionals to explore challenges, successes, general obstacles, and transitions in their personal life, relationships, and profession leading to more effective leadership skills and a more satisfying life.

Dr. Kress has a Doctorate in Management with a focus in Organizational Leadership. She conducted her doctoral research in the areas of coaching, self-awareness, and leadership effectiveness. Her research results were significant, demonstrating how a coaching experience can positively influence an individual’s level of self-awareness and leadership effectiveness, personally and professionally.

Prior to establishing her leadership development and coaching practice Dr. Kress had 16 years of successful business management and sales experience including two Fortune 500 companies. While working with her most recent organization she designed and facilitated a leadership-coaching program for high potential sales representatives and managers. Dr. Kress also has 6 years clinical practice experience as a family therapist where she facilitated the process of positive change for both individuals and families.

Dr. Kress is currently an adjunct Professor at Medaille College in the Accelerated Learning program. She teaches in both the Masters of Organizational Leadership and Masters of Business Administration programs. Additionally, Dr. Kress is an adjunct Professor at Genesee Community College, where she teaches both Business and Management classes at the Associates level.

As a leadership professional and Coach Dr. Kress’ experiences include being a keynote speaker for the 2nd Annual Women’s Weekend in Ellicottville, New York. Dr. Kress was the motivational keynote speaker for the March of Dimes kick-off campaign in 2006. She has facilitated leadership retreats focused upon leadership development; strengths based leadership, team building, and strategic planning. She has worked with both small and large businesses facilitating a process of change, improving business success, as well as individual leadership performance and overall health and wellness with employees.

Dr. Kress’ community leadership experience includes being the Chairwoman for the 4th annual Women’s Weekend in Ellicottville, NY. In addition, to being on the Board of Directors for Hope For Two Women Pregnant with Cancer.

Dr. Kress has published research on Proquest Dissertation. She is published in the International Journal of Applied Institutional Governance the article is entitled A Systems Approach to Governance Programs. Dr. Kress writes a weekly motivational inspirational column in The Villager, where she inspires the public with weekly motivational thoughts and insights. Finally, she co-authored a book entitled The Refractive Thinker Vol. III- Change Management.

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