See Something: Finding Purpose in the Mundane
The Photo Shoot
Earlier this year, I was invited to join a dermatologist’s study that involved capturing my progress through photography over eight weeks. I’ve never done anything like this before. I didn’t think through how to prepare or what to expect. I was surprised to arrive on the first day to a full crew. It felt more like a movie set than a medical clinic!
There was the photographer, a technician on the computer meticulously marking each shot, two other crew members just to tend to my positioning and lighting. Every detail mattered — from the angle of the camera to the exact spot where I needed to sit, ensuring that each photo would be perfectly aligned with the previous ones.
I thought my job was to sit there and let the experts work. I recall doing just that during one of the early shoots. I let my mind wander, content to daydream while the team buzzed around me. I thought, “easiest job ever!”
The Wake-up Call
But something happened that jolted me out of my trance. The photographer, noticing my distant gaze, urged — “SEE SOMETHING!” At first I was confused. Was there a marker I overlooked? But there were no markers, only the photographer’s prompting. It hit me — I wasn’t truly present.
I quickly refocused, this time directing my attention to a room I could see through the doorway. I noticed the detail in the ceiling fan. The art on the wall. Took notice of how the room was decorated. I could tell the photographer was pleased to see my gaze become more intentional. She noted the subtle changes in my expression, the clarity in my eyes, the way my posture adjusted when I was focused.
That command, “SEE SOMETHING,” stayed with me long after the session ended. It was about more than just looking at an object; it was about engaging with my surroundings with intention.
More than six months after that experience, I still hear that prompt echoing in my mind. This seemingly small correction carried a greater life lesson.
Transforming the Mundane into Meaningful
I realized that in work, much like in that photoshoot, it’s easy to operate on autopilot. To approach our duties with the objective of “just getting it done”. What if, instead, we approached work with the mindset of seeing something? What if we took the time to understand the bigger picture, to see how our individual contributions fit into a larger narrative?
I believe we could experience something like the shift during my photoshoot. Our expressions would change. We would have more clarity. Our overall posture would improve. Our work would shift from a series of tasks to a cohesive body of work that contributes to a greater goal. By seeing something — truly seeing it — we bring a level of focus and intentionality to our work that can transform it from mundane to meaningful.
Prompts for Intentional Work
This experience inspired me to think through some cues to challenge myself the next time I find myself zoning out and going through the motions:
Am I focused solely on “just getting it done”, or am aiming for alignment?
Does what happens around me matter?
Am I aware of how my role relates to the bigger picture?
See Something: A Simple, Powerful Prompt
In our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of focus. But as I learned through my experience with the photographer, our inability to see something can result in a less meaningful work product. We might hit all the marks, but without intention, our work lacks the depth and impact it could have.
So, the next time you find yourself drifting through your day, remember that simple yet powerful prompt: SEE SOMETHING. Whether it’s a task at work, a conversation with a colleague, or even a moment of reflection. By choosing to engage fully, we can transform the mundane into something meaningful.
What will you see today?
