Do you want to become more observant? This is more than just awareness, because even if you are aware of everything in your surroundings you may not be noticing the things that count. I’m going to tell you how to easily become more observant of anything you choose.

First, you must notice that your awareness is only as good as your senses:

If you do not look, you cannot see.

If you do not hear, your cannot listen.

Well...you get the point.

This is fundamental when it comes to being observant and it seems like common sense, but many take it for granted. In fact, most of the time the majority of people filter out sensory items that their subconscious does not deem important. They actually trick themselves into believing that a sound was heard or a car was seen, but really they couldn’t remember the first detail about what just happened. If this is you, please keep reading, because you are about to learn something very important.

The filthy rich pay attention. The good looking pay attention. The people who you may want to be more like, pay attention and are observant!

All people must learn these skills before having any success in life. So let's get started!

THESE ARE RULES OF OBSERVATION

#1 Don’t waste your time. This is the foundation and above everything else. Your time is most important and those who use it well will get far!

#2 If you are going to spend time talking to someone spend it well and focus on that conversation. Don’t try to multi-task by thinking something other than the conversation at hand. Hang on every word and thought of the other person and don’t get side-tracked! Once you are able to do this you will get meaning from what you are hearing. This is called: Listening.

#3 The next time you look around ask yourself this question: ‘What am I looking for?’ In order to improve your observation, always have a purpose for shifting your focus. Fight the urge to look around ‘just to look around’. When you look, get information and think about that information. This also applies to reading. Who, what, when, where, etc… This stuff seems basic but, surprisingly, most people don’t use this knowledge.

SOME EXERCISES TO IMPROVE YOUR OBSERVATION

Exercise #1 Here is an exercise you can do as a test of your focus and observation:
The next time you drive, randomly ask yourself without looking how many cars are around you. If you can’t do this keep practicing.
Always knowing your visual surroundings will help you move yourself with a purpose and once you get this exercise down it will be second nature to know everything around you.

Exercise #2 This exercise can be done in any situation but I am giving an example.
Try this: walk into a restaurant, order then sit down. Once you find your seat ask yourself: how many workers did you see? Where are the exits? What kind of car did you park next to? If you have no idea then get with the program! Start paying attention. Take mental notes.

When you put effort into this process it gets easier, and eventually you will have a level of observation that far surpasses anyone around you.

If you would like extra help you will find more great information at SharpNoggins.com

FINAL NOTE:
Improving your observation is easy if you know where to start. Improve your senses and make sure that you get something out of every situation. Remember your experiences and be aware of your surroundings. Now, without looking, what was rule #1?