This week I thought, ‘Why not use my blog to end conflict and loneliness whilst making a small stab at world peace?’ A girl can dream.

Now you may be sitting at your desk asking yourself ‘what has this got to do with me?’ And I’d suggest most people, regardless of seniority or experience:

• Disagree with someone at work
• Feel different from their colleagues in some way
• Are dumbfounded with the state of the world right now

And I am pretty sure I have the solution: Spot the similarities, not the differences in people.

Behind closed doors of coaching sessions, so many of us pay attention to what makes us different from others.  This often leads to monumental misunderstanding, misery and isolation.  When we focus on ‘local identity’ i.e. attributes like age, gender, social background or wealth we will be highly successful at feeling ‘other’.

However, when we are open-minded and notice ‘universal identity’ i.e. the similarity of our human experiences like fear, overwhelm or anxiety, we build connection and understanding.

So next time you believe you are surrounded by idiots or everyone is out to get you, pause and reach for your metaphorical magnifying glass.

Instead of spot the difference, spot the similarity. Notice the difference it makes to you, them and the world!