Have you ever wondered how much we miss as we move through the world, caught up in thoughts or rushing to the next thing? Creativity often starts with noticing—pausing for a moment to really see, hear, or feel what’s around us. It’s not about making a big effort, just a quiet shift in attention.

Noticing isn’t reserved for artists or photographers. It’s something anyone can do, and it can change the way you experience even the most ordinary day. What might happen if you started to intentionally notice a little more?

Why Noticing Matters for Creativity

Creativity doesn’t mean making something from nothing. It’s about making connections—spotting patterns, contrasts, or small moments that spark an idea or feeling. Maybe it’s the way sunlight catches on a wall, the texture of peeling paint, or the curve of a shadow across the floor. Noticing these things doesn’t require special skills, just a willingness to slow down and look.

And perhaps it’s more than just about creativity. Could noticing also help us feel more present, more connected, or simply a little calmer? Could it be the first step towards making something, however small, that feels meaningful?

How to Start Noticing

If you’re curious about this idea, here are a few gentle ways to begin. You don’t have to do them all—or any of them, really. But perhaps one might feel right for you:

The "10 Things You Didn’t See Before" Walk

On your next walk, in a familiar place or somewhere new, look for 10 things you haven’t noticed before. They don’t need to be extraordinary—a crack in the pavement, a shadow on the wall, or a splash of colour can all count.

A Closer Look

Pick up something nearby—a mug, a leaf, or even your keys—and spend a little time really looking at it. What do you notice about its shape, its texture, or its imperfections? It might feel silly at first, but it can be surprisingly grounding.

The Story Hunt

If you’re sitting somewhere with time to spare, watch the people around you. What catches your attention—their gestures, their pace, or maybe their shoes? You could even imagine little stories about where they’re going or what they’re thinking.

Photo Recommendations

If you wanted to explore noticing with a camera (it can of course be the camera on your phone), here are some ideas that might inspire you:

1. Textures: The rough surface of a wall, the bark of a tree, or ripples in a puddle.

2. Light and Shadow: How light moves through blinds, the glow of a shop window, or long shadows on the ground.

3. Found Moments: A forgotten umbrella, a crumpled receipt, or a leaf caught in a fence.

4. Ordinary Beauty: Steam rising from a cup of tea, a worn doorknob, or the reflection in a rain-soaked pavement.

How many photos? Maybe 5–7, but there’s no rule. Just enough to create a little story or moment of attention. It's just for you... you don't have to share it unless you want to. It's not about Instagram... it's about noticing.

An Invitation to Notice

What might happen if you took some time this week to notice more? Maybe on your next walk, or even just sitting quietly at home, you could let yourself tune into the details—the light, the sounds, the textures. There’s no pressure to create anything from it, but who knows? You might be surprised by what you see.

And if you do feel like sharing, I’d love to hear about it—or even see what you’ve noticed.

The idea behind Only Create begins here—with noticing. Before we can create, we have to look, listen, and truly take in the world around us. Noticing isn’t just a step in the creative process; it’s the process itself. This philosophy underpins my approach to creativity—on LinkedIn and beyond—as I explore how to unlock potential in individuals and organisations through the act of creation.