Memory, But Much More

There is an interesting exercise in memory and observation to be found here.



Go check it out and then come back.



How did you do? (Perhaps I like the exercise because I succeeded!)



Our brains are amazing organs that allow us to recognize patterns and then move on to solving the next problem. This pattern recognition trait helps us survive and thrive in a million ways, mostly subconsciously, every day.



The challenge with this trait is that too often we don't really observe a situation, a problem, or a person's behavior because we based on initial or cursory information or brain has recognized a pattern and therefore locked into a solution or a label.



If you didn't succeed in the exercise above, ask yourself how many pennies you have seen in your life, and ask yourself how many other things that you should know well do you misinterpret, mislabel, or just plain miss the details?



The skill/habit of observation is what I'm talking about. You will become a better leader, coach, trainer, team member, parent and person when you improve and use your powers of observation more consciously.