9 Things You’ll Understand If You’re a Really Observant Person (2023)

9 Things You’ll Understand If You’re a Really Observant Person (1)

There are benefits to being an observant person. There are some things in life that only observant people understand or take note of.

You are more aware of your surroundings and so this often means that you are one step ahead of everyone else. It's a special kind of intelligence.

When we think of characters that are known to be observant, I instantly think Sherlock Holmes, especially Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal. But that also brings us to the fact that being so observant can be incredibly overwhelming, both for yourself and those who have to deal with you.

  • Noticing everything means that you have to choose what to concentrate on and what to filter out.
  • Not only do you see, you have to respond to the billions of sensory information you pick up.

Note that in this post we go from talking about an observant person's perspective to how their friends might see things.

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1. When Others are Bored But You Aren't Because You Are Soaking Up Your Surroundings

People seem to love distractions. They just love to do everything else but acknowledge the silence of a situation.

For example, at the bus stop people will often be on their phones, playing candy crush to avoid being bored or feeling alone.


  • In fact most people are on their phone most of the time, just to kill the stillness.
  • But not highly observant people.

Your Boredom is not theirs, what you consider 'quiet' is their happy place. They use quiet and still circumstances as a chance to be mindful and soak up their surroundings.


  • If you are a really observant person, you know that this is golden time. An opportunity for you to hone your sense and look at the way people dress and their little mannerisms.

  • An observant person tends to even make up scenarios in their head, stories involving the people they meet, just to keep their minds active.

It keeps them grounded in the beauty of the moment.



2. When They Judge You, They Are Scarily Accurate

Observant people are great judges of character, although they themselves may sometimes seem out of place in social settings.

When you are with an observant person, you will see that they read you, without even really looking at you.

(Video) How observant are you?

That's because they have become skillful at it.


  • Theypick up messages from your body language in order to discern what you're really feeling.

  • An observant person can tell how close you actually are to your friend, by the most basic things such as your Instagram feed and those Facebook replies.

They may even start referring to things about you that you never even told them.

They don't have some secret labyrinth of hidden knowledge - they just listen really carefully to what you say- compared with what you do.


3. They know When You're Lying

Don't even bother telling porkies to anyone, especially a really observant person.

They'll know you're about to lie even before you open your mouth.

Observant people will notice your changes in breathing, your facial expressions and so on, they know the tell-tale signs.


  • So here's a tip: just tell them all about it.

Because chances are, they already know.

4. Want to Rant? They'll Listen

It's no surprise that observant people are good listeners.

They tend to be keenly interested in what is running thorough your brain, so when you talk you can be sure that they will pay attention (as creepy as that sounds).


  • Observant people engage their entire body and mind as you speak about whatever's bothering you.
  • They know the importance of listening in a conversation and won't say a single word until you've finished expressing yourself.

Even then, they won't necessarily tell you all the things you should do. They will likely just give you a hug and be there for you in that moment.

Observant people are highly responsive.

They'll nod, assure you with their eye contact and ask appropriate questions when its right to do so.

Observant people enjoy some of the best relationships because of this. They develop the skills to be highly charismatic and attractive to others, because they learn what others care about.

5. They Store The Most Random, Non-Essential Facts

Peanuts are an ingredient of dynamite.

  • Yes, a ridiculously observant person seems to know all the facts that no-one actually needs to know in addition to the library of relevant facts.
  • Whether you have such geeky friends or you are the geeky friend, you'll relate to this.

If you are a really observant person, you may realize that you store many, many random (and detailed) facts that you've collected over the years.

(Video) 12 Ways Hyper Observant People Interact Differently with the World //Successful Habits//

An observant person is often known as aliving enclycopedia. You can feel secure in their infinite geekyexpressions and remarks.

These are the people that seem to know the answers to most Trivia questions out there, so you'll want to keep them around ;)

By the way, did you know that Bluebirds can't actually see the colour blue?

6. Tendency For Perfectionism

Observant people notice the smallest things that are out of place, so this often means that they strive for perfection in their own lives, and when things aren't done a certain way - they become frustrated.


  • This is a down side, because they find it hard to just let things slide. Order and organization are paramount to them.
  • If you are an observant person, this may be a reason that you come across as bossy sometimes.

You want things done to a very specific standard that others don't seem to understand.


  • Therefore, an observant person usually needs to make some effort not to be too hard on both themselves and others.

On the other side, an observant person may be the most productive member of a team, simply because they believe that when you do something, you should do it properly.

They put their heart and soul into what they achieve.


7. Longer Life Expectancy

To state the obvious, observant people are better drivers.

They are more careful.

The AAA Foundation says that 80% of drivers feel unsafe on the roads because of distractions.

More observant people are more likely to live longer because they perceive dangers ahead of time and are deeply insightful.

They process possible risks and make plans to dodge trouble.

8. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

An observant person will generally repeat actions, a lot.

They will read the same book many times, and experience the thrill of noticing something new each time.

  • As we noted before, boredom is not a familiar concept to them.
  • One of the reasons an observant person is so fond of repetition is that they may be afraid of something slipping under their radar.

They are aware that people often tend to miss key facts, so they make that extra effort to miss nothing.

Repetition is a main reason why observant people are able to store huge amounts of information and why they tend to perform well on tests of their knowledge.

(Video) 7 ways hyper-observant people see the world differently


9. They Know When You're Having a Bad Day.

An observant person notices the way you walk into the room or how hard you throw your papers down onto the table.

If you walk into the office with mismatched socks, they know that perhaps you are in a rush and haven't had the best morning, so won't talk to you about that looming project deadline.

So...Are You an Observant Person?

Did you relate to the above points about observant people? I'm sure this post will make you more observant in the future, either way.

If you want to enhance your observation skills and take them to the next level, I recommend checking out the book Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards.

It's a book that provides interesting insights on human behaviour and shows you how speed-read people you've just met. You can actually get the audiobook version (or another book of your choice) for free here.

Thanks for reading!

You might also like:

  • Intrapersonal Intelligence - A Letter to All My Introspective Geeks
  • 31 Positive Reasons Why Someone Might Be Staring At You
  • The Best Gift Ideas for Smart People

So that's my breakdown of 9 things you'll understand if you're a really observant person or friends to one! Is there anything you would add to the list? Feel free to share below!

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Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

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FAQs

What are the traits of very observant people? ›

Observant people are more comfortable with information that is “right here,” and they process it in “what is” terms. They prefer to deal with things as they are and in the present. That doesn't mean that they ignore the past or the future, but mostly they view things through the lens of now.

How do you know if you're an observant person? ›

Being observant means watching people, situations, events and then thinking about what you see--it's not just about observing, but the critical thinking that follows which helps you learn more about the world around you.

What is the downside of being observant? ›

Tendency For Perfectionism. Observant people notice the smallest things that are out of place, so this often means that they strive for perfection in their own lives, and when things aren't done a certain way - they become frustrated. This is a down side, because they find it hard to just let things slide.

What does it mean to be a observant person? ›

observant. adjective. ob·​ser·​vant. əb-ˈzər-vənt. : paying careful attention : watchful.

What are 5 characteristics of a good observer? ›

Observation skills are dependent on several other abilities and attributes, such as:
  • Communication. ...
  • Emotional intelligence. ...
  • Critical thinking.
  • Attention to detail. ...
  • Look for details. ...
  • Avoid distractions. ...
  • Keep an observation journal. ...
  • Quantify things as you notice them.
Aug 9, 2022

What kind of intelligence is observant? ›

Children who display strong naturalist intelligence enjoy being in nature and are especially observant.

Are observant people smart? ›

Dr. Catherine Jackson, a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified neurotherapist, added that highly intelligent people are also observant, possess self-control and a good working memory, can recognize their limits and "go with the flow."

What do only observant people notice? ›

Observant people notice body language: posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and changes in breathing. It's a common belief that when we lie, we don't make eye contact with the person we're lying to. You can't hide anything from an observant person.

Which personality is the most observant? ›

INFJs are extremely observant and perceptive people when it comes to certain things. They have this subconscious ability to pick up on information, and will process it to come to helpful conclusions.

Is observant a skill or a quality? ›

Observation is a skill and, like any skill, you can learn and develop it. With practice, you can sharpen your mind and make observation a habit. Here are 8 tips for becoming more observant.

Why is observation so powerful? ›

Our observation skills inform us about objects, events, attitudes and phenomena using one or more senses. Additionally, being able to observe and gather information about the world is important because it's the basis of communicating well.

Is observant a leadership trait? ›

As a leader, you must have situational awareness, which simply means being observant of your immediate surroundings. Being aware will help you obtain information critical to your success.

What makes a good observer? ›

To be a good observer, you must be neutral. Observations don't include personal feelings or judgment because those things are based on bias. When personal feelings, preconceived notions, and prejudices get involved, people don't see what is there. They see an object distorted by their perception.

Are quiet people more observant? ›

They're more observant.

According to a recent study by Yale psychologists, introverts prone to melancholy make the best amateur social psychologists. In other words, introverts are believed to judge the world more accurately than their more sociable peers.

Is observing a skill? ›

Observation refers to the ability to take note of surroundings and draw meaning from them. It's an essential skill both professionally and personally, as it ties into various other important qualities that allow you to interact effectively with your environment and the people in it.

What are the 4 types of observation? ›

There are several different approaches to observational research including naturalistic observation, participant observation, structured observation, case studies, and archival research.

What are the 5 components of observation? ›

The observation process is very straightforward: observe and reflect, document and gather evidence, plan and act, and finally, assess.

What are the 6 skills every observer needs and how to build them? ›

This article discusses six skills every observer needs and how to build them: (1) Know the rubric; (2) Collect evidence; (3) Understand bias; (4) Recognize and sort evidence; (5) Use criteria for rating; and (6) Coach teachers.

What is the rarest type of intelligence? ›

Spatial intelligence or picture smart is a quality that is perhaps the rarest of all the nine Howard Gardner categorized.

What is the highest form of intelligent behavior? ›

Some psychologists believe that the ability to listen to another person, to empathize with, and to understand their point of view is one of the highest forms of intelligent behavior.

What are the 7 signs of intelligence? ›

7 Signs You're Incredibly Intelligent
  • Smart People Prefer Dynamic Work. ...
  • You See Patterns Others Don't. ...
  • You Prefer Building to Communicating. ...
  • You Have Adapted to the Modern World Better Than Those Around You. ...
  • You're Happier Working without Distractions. ...
  • You've Developed Perfect Adaptation Skills.
Jul 15, 2022

What is an intelligent observer? ›

In this relativistic context, an intelligent observer is one who is aware of the time it takes for signals of various kinds to travel from one place to another.

Why are introverts so observant? ›

They're observant

“We notice things others might not notice because they're talking and processing out loud,” she says. Although it may look like they're just sitting quietly during a meeting, introverts are actually soaking in the information that's being presented and thinking critically.

What does if you are observant enough mean? ›

If you're observant, you're paying close attention to the details.

How do you become hyper observant? ›

Engaging all your senses is the ultimate way to be fully observant. Use all 5 senses when you're in a conversation with someone, when you're observing others, or when you're taking in your surroundings. Notice sounds, smells, textures, and tastes of things around you, as appropriate.

What is the strongest personality type? ›

Of all the personality types, the ENFJ is often perceived as being the strongest "people person." They can forge friendships with all personality types, even with more introverted or reticent individuals.

What personality type is an observer? ›

Enneagram Type 5. Observers believe they must protect themselves from a world that demands too much and gives too little. Consequently, Observers seek self-sufficiency and are non-demanding, analytic, thoughtful and unobtrusive; they also can be withholding, detached and overly private.

What is the most thinking personality type? ›

INTP Personality Traits

As the most thinking-oriented of the types, they rely on logic rather than emotion as their main influence in decision making.

What are 2 synonyms for observant? ›

synonyms for observant
  • attentive.
  • discerning.
  • discriminating.
  • intelligent.
  • mindful.
  • perceptive.
  • vigilant.
  • advertent.

Is observation a superpower? ›

Being highly observant is one of those super power kind of skills, with many applications in personal and business worlds.

What is an observant leader? ›

Observant Leadership

This leadership style requires a manager to look beyond the surface level to become aware of underlying patterns. At work, this may mean being able to notice someone's actual potential even if their skills aren't fully developed yet.

What are the two types of observational skills? ›

However, there are different types of observational methods, and distinctions need to be made between:
  • Controlled Observations.
  • Naturalistic Observations.
  • Participant Observations.
Mar 7, 2023

What is the strongest leadership trait? ›

Responsibility & Dependability

One of the most important qualities a leader can have is a sense of responsibility and dependability. This means displaying those traits in your individual work, but also demonstrating them in your interactions with others.

Why being observant is important as a leader? ›

Observation enhances the leader's competence in setting goals, developing plans and strategies, improving his communication skills, and assessment of mustered data. Being observant doesn't demand a leader to be a Sherlock Holmes.

Which personality type is most observant? ›

Which personality type is most observant? INTJs are extremely observant people, who enjoy paying close attention to the details around them. They don't want to miss things that are happening, and see it as an opportunity to learn more.

What are examples of observant people? ›

Observant people can watch their favorite movies and read their favorite books over and over again and never get bored because they'll always discover something new. Even if it's as simple as noticing what color socks a character is wearing, that discovery adds a whole new dimension to the experience.

What is the rarest female personality type? ›

The rarest personality type for women

For women, however, the rarest personality type is INTJ and ENTJ. Just 1% of women type as INTJ and ENTJ respectively. Among women, INFJ is only the third rarest personality type with approximately 2% of women categorized as INFJ.

What is the rarest personality type? ›

If you happened to fall into the INFJ personality type, you're a rare breed; only 1.5 percent of the general population fits into that category, making it the rarest personality type in the world.

Is observant a virtue? ›

Examples of the intellectual virtues include being intellectual humble, being observant, being intellectually conscientious, and being intellectually courageous. Consider being observant as an example. This is a more refined cognitive trait than simply having good perceptual skills.

Why are some people more observant? ›

Heck, some people are more observant because they have a better diet, and are therefore more awake and attentive. Add to that, that some people are less certain that they already know everything, and so they spend more effort to take in information. Some people have better eyesight and or hearing than others.

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