There have been plenty of times in my life where I was certain that my perception—the way I saw things—really was the reality of the situation. We’ve all been there. You think that your job is too difficult because your boss makes your life hard; a relationship is at a brinking point because you think that too many things have changed, and not for the better; your financially so unstable that anything could send you into bankruptcy; or that God must be so frustrated with my life that even He is disappointed.

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to read through a book that’s being released tomorrow called, The Noticer by Andy Andrews. It’s an efficient but impactful story-based read on the lives of five people who found themselves at the end of their rope, or so they thought.

“I am a noticer,’ he said. “It’s my gift…I notice things that other people overlook. And, you know, most of them are in plain sight.” -p. 6

While I could go on and on about the book, the stories and the perspectives that were changed, I’d rather reveal two areas that I was personally challenged:

1. Timing

The Noticer always showed up in perfect timing. He would seek first to understand before he saught to be understood. His depth of knowledge about peoples lives made me realize that I move too quickly. He knew their names, kids names, life stories, personal facts, job status—he took interest in knowing the details before he offered anything. The result, people immediately felt understood and they felt as if he had their backs. His perspective that their story was only part of their future, their perspective about their story was what would move them from their dispair to hope.

2. Perception is NOT reality

While we’ve been told that our perception is reality, The Noticer clearly reveals that it is not. It may be what you believe to be true, but in fact, if you would allow the Noticers in your life to reveal a new perspective, your perceived reality would quickly change.

If you’re wondering if your perception really is reality, I’d highly recommend that you buy this book today. Chances are, you’ll find yourself in one of the many stories that The Noticer shares and in the end, you’ll find hope.

Warning

This book is not for stubborn, prideful or arrogant people. It’s offers depths of wisdom and paradigm shifts that you will be forced to face. If you’re currently happy in your misery perceptions, I’d recommend that you stay far, far away.