We just see, not observe.
Many of us are not aware of the power of observation. We glance at many things during our waking hours, but normally without paying even the minimum attention.
Seeing is never enough. When we notice something that catches our attention, we refer to it as watching. Example: We are watching a TV show now and then in the evening.
Observation is concentrating on something with the deepest attention, involving our five senses: seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, and touching. Sometimes our intuition and imagination do, too.
When we are fixing a problem, we look into the structure, pattern, and operating systems as deeply as is feasible to get to the root of the malfunction. It is the power of concentration that makes it possible to put the workings of a machine or system in order.
Observation is more than concentration. During the span of observation, we insist on finding out what is hidden, though our senses fail to reach that extent even during close watching for days, weeks, and even months. When we observe slowly, we see things that are sometimes beyond our range of imagination.
Almost all discoveries were made possible because people kept observing things without getting exhausted for years or being afraid of multiple failures.
We collect data. It serves little purpose. When we study data, it serves some purpose. When we stay with those facts and figures, we infer something surprising that defines the power of observation.
Observation happens only when we are curious to add to our learning and understanding.
It is a common tendency to conclude anything that suits our mind without analysing the reports, documents, and primary information. This is the reason for not cultivating the habit of observation. Observation demands a long exercise, but we are not ready to invest our time, energy, and money where the outcome is uncertain.
A snap conclusion defeats the whole purpose. Conclusion is not as important as reasoning. Reasoning is a process that involves all the figures, information, evidence, and circumstances, as well as our own wisdom.
Observation is a matter of habits and skills. It is nurtured. We must ask kids and youths to observe, considering that it is the same as investing money to grow in any scheme.
Many a time, we miss the opportunity to observe a particular thing deeply because we are driven by myths, misinformation, and other limitations.
When we are good observers, we eventually make appropriate decisions at the right time. When we know the details, including pros and cons, it becomes easy to decide what is to be done in the given situations.
It is easy to work out alternatives when we observe any condition in detail. When we take a shortcut, we fight for what is before us. When we struggle, we come to know what is still unexplored. Now, instead of fighting, we must opt to explore areas that are beyond the grasp of the common people.
Observation undermines distractions. Observation creates mindfulness. Mindfulness is essential to knowing about possibilities. Mind wandering is natural. When we decide to look into details, wandering starts tapering off.
We can’t get details on everything. Okay. But we must develop a habit of inquiring in greater detail in the areas of our productivity or profession as frequently as possible. When we start thinking differently, observation becomes the fulcrum of the whole process.