There are benefits to being observant. Observing people and using your findings could help you land your next job, catch someone in a lie, get people on your side in an argument or win the romantic partner of your dreams. Take a step back and let yourself focus on other people (you'll have a better time that way, too). 2  When you're talking to someone face to face and you're worried about whether your lipstick's on straight and how your laugh sounds, you aren't being observant.