Every writing teacher, and ever writing textbook I’ve ever read, has told me to always be on the alert. Writers train themselves to see and hear things in everyday life that most people wouldn’t think twice about. Everything is a story idea, a character inspiration or a plot device. One small detail can even spark an entire book. This practice is vital to any writer, but I also believe anyone can and should do this as a way to increase creativity, productivity and appreciation for the world around us.

Below are some tips to seeing the story in everything, so that your story (or any project) comes out richer.

1. Listen for dialogue

Some people call it eavesdropping. The truth is, people interact in millions of different ways based on relationship types and environment. Hundreds of things influence a conversation, and writers like to listen for different vocal cues that reflect these influences. Repeating an overheard conversation word-for-word may not come across well in a story’s context, but phrases, details, names and references can all contribute to good dialogue. And on the upside, you’ll hear some pretty weird stuff that makes good party conversation later.

2. Look for the small things

Crunchy leaves, abandoned pencils, cracked tiles, footprints, cobwebs in a mailbox, snail shells, holes in fences, trinkets, lost pet posters—everything most people would overlook without a second glance. There’s a story behind each one. How did it get there? Who would leave it? How did it break or why is it abandoned (or not)? Notice the little things, and then ask questions about them. Our natural curiosity motivates us to tell stories.

3. Recognize your own creativity

A friend once told me "if you put on an outfit today, you are creative." Far too many people are used to being told they aren’t creative, and people under this label often abandon the idea for life. As beings crafted in the image of God, however, we inherit a natural resourcefulness and ingenuity as human beings. It doesn’t look the same for everyone, but each person has the capacity to think outside the box, to develop a new idea or to solve a problem. Practicing your own creativity builds it up while simultaneously contributing to the world and honoring God.

4. Repeat

Doing these things over and over makes them habit. Before I wrote regularly, I skimmed over my surroundings and hardly noticed a thing. It meant little. I also found that life swept by quicker than I would have liked. When I slowed down to observe and process things happening around me, I found I could remember them better. Memories became richer when I attached them to specific details. Reinforcing the habit helped me—and still helps me—incorporate more realistic and relatable details into my fiction.

Everyone has the ability to see things no one else can. It’s just a matter of looking for and cataloging them for future reference. Utilizing the small details in life for creativity increases productivity and appreciation for small blessings. Harnessing the ability is simply a matter of taking note, and of course, asking the questions.