Seeing the Best in People

I believe that "You see what you choose to see." This is more than just a catchy phrase. It has guided my life for the last 20 years. I actively seek out  the positive  in situations and people.

This isn't just a feel-good mantra. Seeing the best in people is a transformative way of living. It almost always leads to better opportunities and relationships.

Contrary to what you may think, recognizing the best in people doesn't mean that you turn a blind eye to their flaws. Instead, you focus on fostering a constructive environment.

Gold-Mining the Human Spirit: A Lesson from Andrew Carnegie

About a century ago Andrew Carnegie was America's leading industrialist and CEO. He employed 43 millionaires. A reporter once asked Carnegie how he managed to employ such wealthy individuals. His answer was very enlightening.

Carnegie said that all those millionaires were developed by him, not hired after they became millionaires. He compared the process to mining gold. He had to sift through tons of dirt to find an ounce of gold. He would always on the gold, not the dirt.

Why It's Easier to Find Fault than to See Potential

Negative people and critics are abundant. They find fault constantly as if they're getting rewards for it. Why do we find it so easy to focus on each other's shortcomings?

One of the greatest professional hockey players of all time, Wayne Gretzky said: “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.”

The same goes for people. If you focus only on their current flaws, you’re missing the immense potential of what they could be.

The Importance of Positive Focus

Being a good finder isn't ignorance or being naïve. 

 Being a good finder means recognizing the potential for good in every situation and people, and here's the key, EVEN when it's not ideal yo do so.

• No one is born bad. ‘Bad’ is just undeveloped goodness.
• Holding negativity inside doesn't benefit you or anyone else.
• Recognizing goodness in others often requires you to accept human imperfections.
• Our judgment always mirrors our own fears and insecurities.
• It's only when we truly listen can we see the good in others. Listening is an art.
• Be open to understanding other people's motivations. Not everyone shares your perspective

The Takeaway

Every person is a minefield of potential. Whether you can unearth the gold within ourselves and others largely depends on our perspective. You can find happiness, transform lives, and truly SEE PEOPLE AT THEIR BEST. But first you must train yourself to be a good finder.

So, are you ready to become a good finder?

Take a moment today to think about how you can find the good in the people around you. Make it a habit to let that mindset be the key to unlocking happiness at any age.