Thanks for noticing
Attention without intention is meaningless
Serious question: How finely honed are your powers of observation?
Are you the person who never misses a thing and could give Sherlock (especially the Benedict Cumberbatch version) a run for his money? Or are you the oblivious one who couldn’t pick up a clue if it dropped on your head?
I’d like to think I’m firmly on #TeamSherlock (and aspire to stay there, thank you very much), especially after a friend paid me a strange yet wonderful compliment years ago.
He said that the word I used most was noticed, as in “I noticed that you ______.” He went on to explain that I pay attention to things, but more importantly, I take action.
Read that last part again: I take action.
Why does this matter?
Because simply observing something makes you a spectator; taking action means you go one step further and use that observation to achieve a purpose and effect positive change. (Or, if you’re Sherlock, solve a mystery.)
The former is passive; the latter is proactive.
Ironically, I hadn’t realized I did this, but I was pleased to learn that I do. It means that I’m living at the intersection of attention and intention, the place where tremendous growth and learning occur.
This ability is beneficial in life but also helpful for your career.
What you notice while paying attention can take many different forms:
Perhaps while scanning the P&L, you discover a huge accounting error
Maybe you see that people are using your product in an unintended and new way
Or you might suddenly have the insight to combine two seemingly disparate things.
Without follow-up, all of these examples would be fleeting thoughts — and missed opportunities.
So how can you increase your powers of observation so you can take action?
Eliminate distractions
Put down your phone. Stop checking your email. Close your door. Create an environment to minimize interruptions so you’ll be free to take notice.
Focus on whatever (or whomever) is most important to you
It’s hard to spot things when you’re busy multitasking. When you concentrate on those people or things that are most important to you, you’re better able to see, hear, and feel small details you would otherwise miss.
Maintain a childlike curiosity
Imagine the things we’d view if we all approached the world with an open mind? Cultivating your natural wonder will allow you space to make keen observations.
Remember: attention without intention is meaningless. But noticing things — and acting on them — can make amazing things happen.
🚨FORBES ARTICLE TWOFER ALERT!🚨
And speaking of attention, I’ve got two brand-spanking-new Forbes articles to direct yours.
In my recent (like a few days ago recent) Forbes article,* I shared why giving your undivided attention is one of seven easy ways to connect with others.
And in my latest (as of yesterday) Forbes article,* I share how attention is closely related to one of the most important (yet underrated) leadership soft skills worth mastering: listening.
Shine on,
Amy
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P.P.S. When I’m not writing this newsletter or busy doing my best Sherlock impersonation, I’m a social media ghostwriter. (Yep, that’s a thing). I help founders, entrepreneurs, and CXOs craft their stories to communicate and connect better by magnifying their reach and impact. (Think personal branding and thought leadership.) Learn more here.
P.P.P.S. One more thing: You have great taste in newsletters—thanks for subscribing! Be sure to check out the archives to catch up on previous issues, and feel free to share this one with your friends. Or better yet, invite them to join our Illuminate Me tribe!
*Did you happen to notice (see what I did there? 😉) that these Forbes articles are part of my new multi-week series covering the range of soft skills and how to cultivate and apply them to your career? They join these previously published pieces:
This Soft Skill Helps Leaders Have (And Retain) More Innovative And Productive Teams (Empathy)
How To Harness The Power Of This Soft Skill To Immediately Electrify Your Career (Persuasion)