What’s Hiding in Plain Sight?
How to stop overlooking what makes your work unforgettable.
I was doing yoga this morning, trying to be all zen and present and whatever, when I discovered something profound.
My floor is more interesting than I thought.
As I stared at it (as one does when avoiding thinking about the pain of holding a plank ), I noticed a dark smudge. At first glance, it seemed just part of the floor. But then I really observed—in that mindfulness, ‘be one with the universe’ way—I realised… it was a spider. A very squashed, very old, very part-of-the-floor spider. Probably been there for years, completely ignored, completely unseen.
Until I stopped. And actually looked.
There’s a quote I love by French novelist Gustave Flaubert:
“Anything becomes interesting if you look at it long enough.”
That’s true for more than just your floor. It’s true for your work. It’s also what’s causing you trouble.
You’ve stopped noticing the most interesting stuff about your work.
We move through life at ridiculous speed. Meetings, deadlines, projects—doing, doing, doing. We get so close to our work, we know it so well, that we stop seeing it. We stop seeing the things that make it (and us) interesting. We stop noticing the impact we have.
What are you missing about your team? What are you missing about your clients? What are you missing about yourself?
The things that make your work valuable, unique, and unforgettable? They’re right there. But they’ve become so normal to you—so part of the floor—that you don’t even register them anymore. And if you don’t see them, how can you expect anyone else to?
Observation is the key to being Impossible to Ignore
When you take the time to truly observe—to zoom in on the details—you start seeing what makes your work special again. The way you solve problems in a way no one else does. The stories behind your business that you’ve never told. The little things about your clients that, when noticed and shared, make them feel seen and valued.
Three ways to start seeing again
When I was a radio presenter, I’d often arrive at work to a blank rundown. With deadlines looming, I needed fast strategies to find interesting things quickly. To see past the mundane and see the value underneath. To see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Here are three of the things that worked every time.
Walk – I used to call this a story walk. I'd go out into the community, walk along the footpath and mindfully look. Suddenly, there were stories everywhere, things I’d never noticed before.
Try this: Get up and walk around your office or outside for five minutes. Just notice what you see. What memories are triggered? What stands out? What catches your eye? Write down at least five things that catch your eye.
Talk – When I was stuck for ideas, I’d turn to my contacts. I’d start asking questions, and quickly, interesting angles would pop up.
Try this: Ask a friend, colleague, or client, “What do you find interesting about my job?” “What do you understand about my industry from knowing me?” “What’s unique about the way I do my job?” Their answers might surprise you.
Gawk – Journalists do this all the time—scan the news and find the local angle.
Try this: Go online and see what people are commenting on in your industry. What’s your take? What’s being misunderstood? What’s your unique angle on a trending topic? Observing how others engage can help you frame what you do in a fresh way.
And once you see it? That’s when you can start showing it.
That’s when people start paying attention.
So… what’s become part of your floor? What’s your squashed spider? 🕷️
(For those playing along, I’m obviously moving into my ‘bug content’ era; ladybirds last week, spiders this week, maybe caterpillars next week?)
This Week’s Observations:
In true Penny Drop style I’ve been busy observing other people’s thoughts on observing. Here are my recommendations to help you deep dive and harness the power of noticing.
📖 Read: Look Again by neuroscientist Tali Sharot – This is an interesting take on how quickly humans become habitual. It looks at how revisiting what we think we know can unlock new insights and transform our perspectives. Read more here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176442617-look-again
🎧 Listen: Hidden Brain – Episode: "Making the World Sparkle Again." If the above is TLDR, then here’s the podcast version! Shanka speaks with Tali Sharot to help us refresh our perspectives and rekindle curiosity about the things we take for granted. Listen here:
📺 Watch: TED Talk: The Art of Paying Attention by Wendy MacNaughton – A beautiful exploration of how simply paying attention can unlock creativity, understanding, and deeper human connection. Watch here: https://www.ted.com/talks/wendy_macnaughton_the_art_of_paying_attention
👀 Follow: Jason M. Peterson (@jasonmpeterson) – A photographer who captures stunning, everyday moments with a unique perspective. It’s a little treat to filter into your feed. His work is a masterclass in finding beauty in the ordinary. Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonmpeterson
Work with me!
🔍 The Goldmine Sessions – Unearth the gold in your story
Despite all the above, sometimes, you’re so close to what you do that you need outside eyes to help you see the extraordinary in the ordinary. My favourite thing to do with clients (and my best skill) is finding that gold.
The Goldmine Sessions aren’t just interviews—they’re deep-dive conversations that uncover the moments, insights, and values that define your work. Whether for leadership, branding, or legacy-building, we’ll dig into the details and turn your hidden stories into powerful, professionally crafted content that inspires, connects, and sets you apart.
Want to unearth the gold in your story? Let’s talk! 📩 info@pennyterry.com
🎙 Be a Better Guest – Nail your message, every time
Great guests don’t just share what they know—they share it in a way that makes people lean in. This short course gives you a streamlined strategy and a simple framework to sharpen your instincts, spot what truly resonates, and deliver stories that stick.
Learn how to pull out your most interesting insights and align them perfectly with the right audience so your message lands every time.
🎟 Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/be-a-better-guest-turn-interest-into-influence-tickets-1037474493137?aff=oddtdtcreator