“Observation is a dying art.” – Stanley Kubrick
The sight in public transport, just about a decade ago was very different. Unlike today, you could see people staring out the window, trying to strike a conversation with those around them or inevitably looking at people around and imagining their stories. Today, it’s mostly a sight of people cutting themselves off from the world and drowning in sensory stimulus from a 6-inch odd screen. It’s worth thinking of what we are losing out on by giving up our sense of observation. `
Observation allows us to tap the subtleties of everyday human behavior and on wider social trends. It forms our view of the world even when we are not thinking. It forms the basis of the statement, “In my experience…” Observation is the spark that lights the flames of change by leaders, artists, and change-makers. Be it writing, painting, creating music, sculpting or any other creative endeavor, it’s all about observing, reflecting and best representing the human experience.
Observing and forming insights of the world around us is something that one can’t be taught but one can get better at with constant practice. And this power is useful not just for artists alone. If we look closely enough, quite a few innovations and new business models have emerged as a product of acute observation and coming up with a problem that fits the bill, often with the right mix of technology.
The multibillion-dollar idea behind Airbnb started off with the idea that people could rent out a portion of their homes for a short duration and let guests live in the most sought-after neighborhoods at decent prices. The founders first rented out airbeds for some design conference visitors in their living room and thereafter realized how they had stumbled upon an idea that could grow into something much bigger.
Here, there are two key turning points enabled by the power of observation:
- The founders could make their foray into renting their living room for the first time after realizing they could profit from increased demand during a design conference.
- They could see realize the potential of their idea only because they were aware of market dynamics in the hospitality space.
There are many other such examples. Successful folks don’t always go out looking for a problem and finding a solution for it; they are just more in tune with their surroundings to spot an opportunity and understand the kind of solution that would work. So it’s more important than ever for us to see well, listen keenly and reflect on everything happening around us. Here’s how one can make use of acute observation to learn and grow:
Stay in the moment:
Connectivity and our devices have made it more difficult than ever to be truly present at a particular place. You can be at a picturesque location in the mountains but with a single ping on the phone, your mind could be back thinking about that pending mail draft in your cubicle. In that particular moment, it’s more important is to explore the flavors of the drink in your hand or look into the eyes of the person sitting right beside you.
Note down things:
The benefits of regular journaling have been well-documented. Noting down things in your journal is a great way to boost emotional health and not leave valuable observations at the mercy of our fallible human memory.
Seek diverse experiences:
Don’t let your mind quietly settle into the quotidian corner. Keep it buzzing and alive. The more you are aware of the possibilities out there, the more you can enable your mind to make unlikely connections and some up with something unique. Read about Roman architecture, find someone you can debate Nietzsche with, listen to everyone from Bob Marley to Arijit Singh, try dark roast coffee and finally make that trip to a Himalayan homestay. Soak your senses into a variety of experiences out there.
And the next time you are on a bus, try striking a conversation with a stranger. You might end up with an interesting story and an unheard perspective.
