An Introvert’s Guide to Observation
Introverts’ natural tendency to observe can always be improved further. Here’s how.
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In my posts about eminent introverts, I’ve noted many who distinguished themselves from their peers through work involving close, thoughtful observation. Nobel Prize-winning scientist Barbara McClintock watched the individual plants in her studies so intensely and empathetically, they were practically family members for her. Painter Georgia O’Keeffe famously said, “No one sees a flower – really – it is so small – we haven’t time.” O’Keeffe made the time, and the effort, and art lovers thank her for that.
The careful observations of Charles Darwin during his years-long voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle formed the basis for his revolutionary theory of natural selection. Likewise, Maria Montessori’s path-breaking educational methods derived from studying supposedly “feeble-minded” children from morning through night for two years.
The ability and patience to observe nature or people fits well with an introverted temperament for several reasons:
Instead of seeking to be the center of attention, introverts often prefer to hover off to the side or be alone. Those positions are more conducive to observation.
Being reserved when it comes to communicating gives the introvert more time to notice details in a situation. The same applies to introverts’ preference for calm, low-stimulation environments.
Introverts easily get absorbed in uncommon, solitary forms of work or hobbies. They’re comfortable with silence, stillness and receptivity.
Introverts tend to process information slowly and deeply.
As excellent listeners, introverts quietly encourage others to share thoughts, perspectives and experiences, which in turn become elements of observation.
Still, no matter how instinctive or developed your observational skills are, you can always improve. Here are some tips to help you take observation to the next level.
How to Improve Your Observational Skills
1. Practice. In the 1980s, I got hired as a writer and editor in Beijing, China. Few Westerners visited or lived there at that time. I knew I’d have many experiences I might want to write about afterwards, and in many such situations I wouldn’t be situated with a pen and notebook. So before I left for China, I practiced in social situations by intentionally observing carefully, then going home and writing up what I saw, heard and experienced. I never reached the level achieved by spies in novels I read, who habitually committed license-plate numbers and descriptions of peripheral passersby to memory. But practice helped.
2. Clear your mind. Decide to be present and pay attention. Maybe this involves first shaking away worries, tucking away your to-do’s for later or counting your in and out breaths for a minute. Many people swear by mindfulness meditation, which trains you to stay in the now, and has many other benefits besides setting you up for better observations.
3. Describe, don’t judge. Whether in science or everyday interactions, concentrate on perceived details rather than bigger-picture conclusions about what is going on there. For example, “Five out of seven kids were punching buttons on their cellphones,” instead of “All the kids were disrespectful to the teacher.” A nitty-gritty focus enables greater accuracy as well as a higher likelihood of discerning clues that lead to original insights. Try to see, hear and smell what is actually there, leaving your opinions and attitudes aside.
4. Widen your interests. Deliberately focus on more than what already interests you. Because my husband loves nice cars, he notices small things about them wherever we go, such as the style of a vehicle’s headlights or the pattern of its wheel covers. On the other hand, he’s oblivious to the street signs we pass and to people’s names – until he’s encountered them a gazillion times. (Well, maybe even then.) Author Henry James advised, “Be someone on whom nothing is lost.” That’s a key challenge in becoming a better observer.
5. Notice the “nots.” Sometimes what doesn’t happen is as significant as what does. In one Sherlock Holmes story, the great detective solves the case by observing that a dog did not bark at an intruder. Therefore the dog probably knew the intruder, Holmes reasoned. Similarly, it might be important for you to take note that a contract you’re asked to sign says nothing about artificial intelligence or what happens if one of the parties goes bankrupt. Develop the habit of reminding yourself to ask what you are not observing in the situation.
Recently published
“Say What?” in How I Learned – about mishearings and miscommunications
“Words for Water” in The Orange Rose – inspired by swimming in Hawaii
Reader stories
If I receive suitable contributions, I would like to feature some of your insights and experiences related to being an introvert or dealing with an introverted spouse, child, employee, boss, neighbor, etc. The more specific you are about the setting and the relationship dynamics involved, the better.
Please send your essay/article/post to innies@yudkin.com.
Deadline is December 20. Target length is 700 to 1500 words. If I use your post, I will of course credit you with a byline and a two-sentence bio.
Thank you in advance for sharing your story.
- Marcia