When we look at the world around us, our decisions, the acts of others, and associated outcomes, we will often see them as "right" or "wrong."

Perhaps not quite absolute, but maybe?

Ever watched another musician and thought, "I wouldn't do it that way," or, "s/he made an 'interesting' choice?" It's almost as if we watch others through our lense, and our lense is always "right."

We are all entitled to opinions. Not everything we see, hear, or taste will align with our beliefs or those sets of rules that govern our world view. However, when it comes to learning from others, these beliefs can get in the way.

I love watching other piano players. I can find a million things I'd like to lift from someone's solo/style for my music. However, I have sometimes found myself making "judgmental" statements, as I above illustrated. When I make those statements, even in my head, learning stops.

Learning stops because I've started seeing someone's work not for what it is, but for what I think it should be. Instead of being the proverbial sponge, I am "judge and jury."

Be a sponge.
Watch to learn.
Suspend judgment.

Absorb all you can from another.
Apply your learnings to your life.

Come alive.