The Importance of Perspective

“Something in the way she moves,

Reminds me of…a cauliflower.”

These lyrics from the famous Beatles song Something are not what you may remember but they were the original ones. George Martin, the legendary producer, said that when George Harrison first started to write, he would agonise for hours over a single word. 

John Lennon understood the importance of perspective and suggested a simple solution. ‘Just put in a word’, John said. ‘Any word. Just make sure that it scans, carry on with the next line and then come back to it later when you have got some perspective.’ 

Harrison had the first line: Something in the way she moves. He also had the start of the second line. Reminds me of - . He wanted five syllables but nothing worked. John Lennon completed the line for him: Reminds me of – a cauliflower. ‘Now get on with it,’ he said. George could continue writing his song, even if it would take him a little more time – and perspective – to eventually find the words to replace Lennon’s favourite vegetable. Eventually, a cauliflower was replaced by no other lover. Sometimes, when we are under pressure and you just can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel, perspective is critical. 

This is more than just establishing a work-life balance but is about constantly keeping clear in your mind what the important things are.