The story is told of a group of applicants waiting to be interviewed for a job as a wireless operator.  They were so involved in conversations that they didn’t hear the dots and dashes coming from a loudspeaker.  Another man entered the room and sat quietly by himself.  He quickly stood up and walked into the nearby private office.  When we came out of the office looking pleased, one of the other candidates asked him how he got in ahead of all the others who were there first.

He responded that one of them would have gotten the job if they had listened to the message on the loudspeaker.  When asked what message, he told them about the message in code that he heard, which said, “The man I need must always be on the alert.  The first man who gets this message and comes directly into my private office will be placed on one of my ships as operator.”

We miss opportunity, beauty and fulfilment when we go through life focused only on ourselves.

Keen observation is a quality shared by many successful people.  Noticing people, nature and the experiences of those around us greatly enhances the enjoyment of life.  Seeing a small child giggling with their mother, holding the door for a coworker whose hands are full or simply smiling at the person you pass on the sidewalk.  Who knows.  The single gesture of a smile could change that person’s entire life!

Intentional awareness and observation can also change your life.  It was a child’s soap bubble that gave Sir Isaac Newton his first hint that led to his optical discoveries.  Initials cut into the bark of a tree is where the idea of printing originated.

What are you missing in life?  Begin today to intentionally observe what is around you so you can live . . . your life to the fullest.