Change something you've stopped seeing

Upgrade the backdrop of your life

A few years ago, a business leader who was about to be interviewed for national television in his office asked for some advice. Aside from smiling and wearing solid colors, my biggest tip was to take a look around and note any piles of paper or clutter that he had long since stopped seeing. On camera, he’d see them with fresh eyes and cringe! Better to clean up ahead of time.

It is so easy to stop noticing things like those piles of clutter, or even long-ago chosen decorations, that form the backdrop of our lives. I know this is true for me. But little changes can have an outsized impact, so it’s worth trying to pay attention.

Seeing for the first time

I had owned my current iPhone for approximately 18 months before I finally got around to changing the background. Yes, I vaguely knew that people put photos of their kids and pets on their phones. But I had never done so. Then, when we all began sheltering in place, I realized just how many times I was picking up my phone per day.

So I switched to a photo of a blooming plum tree. This became my wall paper, and suddenly this mindless task I did 100 times a day — signing into my phone — became a little moment of springtime beauty.

You’re probably not as bad as me in this regard. I will admit that I am still looking at that plum tree years later. I just noticed this morning that the Christmas snow globes are still on display in my living room. Whoops. But no doubt you have things you’ve stopped noticing too.

So, today, try to look at your living spaces, and your digital spaces, with fresh eyes. Has that pile of magazines on your night stand just become part of the scene — like a bedside lamp? How about the items on your kitchen counter, or any decorations on your car? Switch up the photos on your desk or mantle, or maybe put something inspiring as your laptop wall paper. If you’re collecting knick knacks somewhere, pause and see if the collection still amuses you or not. If not, put something else there. Or put nothing there! Often times, spaces look better pared down.

A different perspective

Noticing what you’ve stopped seeing can be challenging (of course!), so here’s a short cut: Take a picture!

For whatever reason, we see things more objectively when we take a photo. Sometimes this is humbling (I guess I overlook those fly-away hairs when I’m looking in a mirror…) but it can also be useful. If you photograph your office you’ll see how other people see it. That box of random things on what’s supposed to be a minimalist shelf spot will stand right out.

In addition to getting rid of lingering clutter, changing something in the background can add an unexpected jolt of happiness to daily life. Rather than drive around with that magnetic sticker on the back of your car from an activity your kid did five years ago, you can slap on a magnetic sticker from your favorite vacation spot. All of a sudden, seeing your parked car brings up great memories. At least until you stop seeing the sticker. But then you can switch again.