This site is full of Zoom-Out tools and example applications. Ultimately, however, Zoom-Out is a mindset. It’s our ability to recognise when we are holding a narrow and unhelpful viewpoint and be able to see a broader viewpoint or alternative viewpoints.
The table below elaborates on the idea of a “Zoom-Out Mindset” as contrasted with an “Unhelpful Zoom-In Mindset”. Note that zooming-in can of course be helpful but our concern here is when it’s not.

Unhelpful Zoom-In Mindset
Getting stuck in a close-up view |
Getting stuck in, or fixated on, a narrow or limiting perspective |
Going with the first or default perspective |
Not easily able to shift perspectives |
Reactive in adopting perspectives |
Cannot refocus easily – remaining focused on the same thing |
Not seeing or being aware of the bigger – only a narrow perspective |
Not seeing beyond the immediately apparent thing, behaviour, effect or occurrence |
Seeing the surface only |
Lack of awareness of our internal state and context has and its effect and being only reactive to it |
Seeing a single or limited number of factors |
Seeing just the effects or symptoms |
Seeing your reality as singular and fixed |
Tending to hold a self-centered perspective |
Closed-minded: – Unable or unwilling to consider other perspectives |
Being narrow-minded: – Intolerant of other views that deviate from one’s own |
Confusing perspectives with objective reality |
Lack of awareness about what we are paying attention to |

Helpful Zoom-Out Mindset
Stepping back from a close-up view |
Breaking out of a narrow or limiting perspective |
Considering other perspectives beyond the first or default one |
Able to shift perspectives easily |
Proactive in selecting perspectives |
Can refocus easily – proactively choosing what is most helpful to be Zoom-In on |
Seeing the bigger picture – a broader perspective |
Seeing the wider context |
Seeing inner context – below the surface |
Awareness of the effect our internal state and context has on our mood and performance and proactively taking steps to control it |
Seeing a multiple set of factors |
Seeing root causes and cause and effects paths |
Seeing your reality as plural and mutable |
Ability to hold a self-less perspective |
Open-minded: – Open to other perspectives |
Being broad-minded: – Tolerant of varied views including those that clash with one’s own |
Meta-perspectives: Ability to keep our perspectives in perspective – to see them for what they are |
Meta-attention: Ability to pay attention to what we are paying attention to |
Zoom-Outs will relate to one or more of these aspects of a Zoom-Out mindset and with practice will help to strengthen and cultivate such a mindset.
Zoom-Out is relevant to all aspects of personal life and work.