I feel like I’ve always had this view that everyone has something good to offer. It's as though I can see the potential in people, no matter how flawed or complicated they may seem.
At its core, this mindset has been a blessing—helping me build connections, foster understanding, and learn valuable lessons from those around me. But it can also feel like a curse. It’s harder to let go when things don’t work out. I’ve been let down at times by people who didn’t live up to the potential I saw in them. I’ve invested energy into helping others see their worth, only to realise they weren’t ready for the change or didn’t see it themselves. It can be frustrating at times.
Sometimes, I wonder if it would be better if I were more skeptical, if I criticised others more and focused on the potential problems rather than the possibilities. After all, isn't there wisdom in being cautious and critical?
But—I’m not like that.
Seeing the good in everyone isn’t about ignoring flaws or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about focusing on the value people bring, even when they don’t realise it themselves. I’ve always had a natural understanding that everyone is on their own journey, dealing with their own struggles, and facing their own obstacles.
What I’ve come to realise is that we can learn something from everyone.
I remember certain colleagues that I would see so much potential in and I new they were capable of so much more even when they didn’t see that there was so much more they could be doing beyond their roles. They were just in the wrong environment like I was. They hadn’t found their strengths yet or knew how, where or when to use them.
Have you ever come across someone who’s not afraid to admit their weaknesses? It’s a rare but powerful trait. It’s easy to hide behind a mask, pretending to have it all together. Or even worse, not take accountability. But when someone is willing to acknowledge their own struggles, it creates space for deeper connections and real conversations. There’s authenticity in vulnerability. This type of honesty doesn’t make people weaker—it makes them stronger. It takes courage to be raw. And in doing so, , they often help others feel more seen and heard in ways that go beyond words.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone whose life has been completely different from yours, yet walked away thinking, “Wow, I never thought of it that way”? Sometimes it’s the most unexpected people who offer the best perspectives. They’ve been through things we can’t even imagine, and their insights can completely shift our thoughts in another direction that we would have never thought of. We all have something to teach each other, the more different our lives seem, the more similarities we’ll actually find.
I know it’s easy to get stuck focusing on the bad or the things that could go wrong. But honestly, the more I’ve focused on the good in people, the more I’ve grown. Now this is not to say, don’t protect your boundaries and you can still be discerning. But my point is, there is something you can take away from all kinds of people.
In a world that often feels divided or negative, seeing the good is kind of a rebel move. But it’s one I’ll always stand by.