"العالم مليء بالأشياء الواضحة التي لا يلاحظها أحد."

We often miss the obvious. This is something that Arthur Conan Doyle’s character Sherlock Holmes pointed out. It’s a simple idea: our world brims with clear, undeniable stuff, but we’re generally too distracted to notice it. We overlook the everyday details, the things right under our noses, and these unobserved bits can be surprisingly important.

Think back to when this was first said. Holmes, the master detective, was constantly uncovering clues that everyone else missed. The essence here is that so many things are hidden in plain sight because our minds are often elsewhere. We’re busy, preoccupied, or simply not looking close enough. This isn’t just about detective work; it applies to everyday life, too.

Here’s a real-life example that nails this down. Imagine a seasoned mechanic working on a car. While the car owner hears a funny noise coming from the engine, they have no clue what’s causing it. The mechanic, however, just listens carefully for a moment and immediately identifies the problem—it’s something as simple as a loose belt. The noise was there all along, but only someone who truly pays attention and knows what to listen for can pinpoint its source so quickly.

So, how do we apply this wisdom? It’s about slowing down and really observing our surroundings. Next time you’re in a meeting, don’t just listen to what’s being said—look at people’s expressions, body language, and the dynamics in the room. You might pick up on unspoken concerns or enthusiasm that others miss. When you’re out for a walk, put your phone away. Notice the architecture of the buildings, the types of trees, the sounds around you. You’ll be amazed at what you’ve been overlooking.

Let me share a little story to illustrate. Picture this: Jenny, a young intern at a bustling advertising firm, keeps her head down and works diligently. She’s always focused on her tasks. But one day, she’s in the break room making coffee when she overhears a casual conversation between two senior creatives. They’re tossing around ideas about a project that’s been stuck in development hell. Jenny listens closely, and a lightbulb goes off. She realizes that a concept they briefly mentioned—one that they quickly dismissed—could actually be the perfect solution.

Jenny steps out of her comfort zone and shares her thought. The seniors are impressed. They hadn’t noticed the potential in their own idea, but she did. Why? Because she wasn’t just hearing them—she was really listening and observing. That’s what made all the difference.

It’s clear, right? The world is full of obvious things that we miss, not because they’re hidden, but because we’re not fully engaged. So, let’s practice being present, paying attention, and truly observing the world around us. You never know what crucial detail you’ll uncover just by tuning in a bit more.