Several years ago, I was driving home from work and was about to merge onto interstate traffic. As any good driver would do, I looked in the side and rear-view mirrors before merging—it seemed all was clear; however, as soon as I felt submerged in the flow of interstate traffic, a man on a motorcycle appeared out of nowhere. With an angry scowl on his face, the man pulled beside my car and flipped his middle finger at me. I completely ignored the insult—my heart was racing, horrified by the thought that I could have hit him. Why couldn’t I see him when I looked in both the rear-view and side mirrors? It was because he was in my blind spot.

Life also has blind spots; it is those areas where we lack awareness, understanding, or insight.  Blind spots are the unseen corners of our perception—the places we forget to look, either because we are too focused on what’s ahead or too afraid to glance sideways. Blind spots exist in our minds as much as they do on the road camouflaged as assumptions we never question, people we take for granted, or emotions we bury beneath monotonous routine. Sometimes, blind spots are born from comfort, other times, from fear. But they are always there, quietly shaping our decisions and disconnects.

Avoiding blind spots in life requires intentional reflection, feedback, and humility. The following are practical ways to identify and reduce blind spots in your personal, relational, and professional life:

• Practice self-reflection. Journaling can make self-reflection more focused and consistent. Ask yourself the following questions:
  • Why did I react that way?
  • What could I have done differently?
  • What am I avoiding or not seeing clearly?
• Seek honest feedback. Be open to hearing uncomfortable truths without being on the defense. Ask trusted friends, family, or mentors for honest feedback about your strengths and weaknesses.
• Accept constructive criticism. Pause, listen deeply, and explore whether there is a behavioral pattern you have been blind to.
• Expand your perspectives. Exposure to varied viewpoints can challenge assumptions and uncover prejudices. Surround yourself with people who think differently than you.
• Recognize emotional triggers. Blind spots often hide behind strong emotional reactions (e.g., anger, fear, defensiveness). Use those moments as signals to explore what might be unresolved or unseen.
• Consult with a coach or therapist. A professional can help you to identify distorted reasoning, behavioral patterns, and limiting beliefs.
• Stay humble and curious. Assume you don’t know everything and be okay with it.
• Revisit your beliefs on a regular basis. Your values and beliefs should evolve as you grow. Periodically, re-evaluate your assumptions about yourself, others, and the world.

Blind spots in your mind are much like the blind spots on the road—both are areas you cannot clearly see; however, they have the power to cause significant damage if left unchecked. Recognizing blind spots is not a sign of weakness, but a step toward growth and self-awareness. By acknowledging we all have areas where our viewpoint is limited, we open the door to more empathy, collaboration, and understanding. It is through humility and a willingness to listen that we begin to see more clearly—not only ourselves, but also those around us.