How to increase your observation skill in 6 steps
I know I am not the only one whose thoughts are someplace else while I am doing a task. Isn't multitasking how to get more things done? I sit down to draw the landscape as we drove through the farmland upstate New York, from memory! I try to recall all of the details of the look on my brother's face when we were speaking of the death of a beloved aunt and the ongoing difficulties in the lives of her surviving siblings.
Yes, I could take a photograph, but I feel the need to remind and retrain my mind to observe very carefully. I want to use, but not be dependent upon, a technical device, like a camera or computer to BE my memory.
I am using the example of painting and drawing because that is what I do, and it is so hands on that it is easy to understand. It is also a combination of physical and mental multitasking. But there are many ways and reasons to practice and improve observation skills. No matter what you do for a living good observation skills are an important part of doing good work, don't you think? Here is how!
Begin by choosing one thing a day to remember: a conversation, a scene, a book or article that you read, a recipe, etc.
Be present in the now moment. Relax and allow yourself to use your senses to take in all of the unique qualities of what you feel, see and hear.
After observing the event or scene reflect on what you would like to remember about it. Make connections between what you already know and this new memory.
Write it down or draw it, preferably in a portable journal without judgement of yourself. Just put it down!
Be grateful for the gift of experiencing the moment.
Observe and record in a visual, written or auditory way, daily and it will become a habit that will increase your confidence in your powers of observation and visualization!
Let me know how this works for you. I know that if I make a concerted effort to image a detailed memory, I can gradually expand it to two or even three a day. I just need to articulate it in words or a visual to reinforce it.
This is a great way to gather material and ideas for making things and for making things happen.!
Simplifying your focus is eloquently explored by Michael Nobbs /The Blog: Drawing Inspiration. I am inspired by his simple and honest posts.
Here is an other concept about doing two things at once from Ali Hale in Productive Flourishing, by combining a mental task with a physical task.