One of my favorite quotes is by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”

This sentiment has always resonated with me deeply. It reminds me of the power of imagination and perspective—how a small shift in our thinking can transform what we see, how we feel, and what we create. In my own life, I’ve had moments where the mundane was transformed simply because I chose to view it differently. Whether it was a challenging project at work or an everyday chore at home, seeing the potential for something more inspired me to approach it with enthusiasm and creativity.

If you’re looking for ways to see the world with fresh eyes, to find cathedrals in your own rock piles, here are five practical tips to get you started:

1. Practice Imaginative Thinking

Imagination is a skill that grows with use. The next time you encounter something ordinary, challenge yourself to think beyond its current state. Ask, What else could this be? For example, a blank notebook could become the foundation of your next big idea, or an overgrown garden might inspire an outdoor sanctuary. Stretch your creative muscles by engaging in activities that foster imaginative thinking, such as sketching, journaling, or brainstorming ideas without judgment.

2. Cultivate Curiosity

Curiosity is the spark that lights the fire of possibility. When you’re curious, you’re open to seeing things in new ways. Practice looking at the world with a sense of wonder by asking questions like, Why is this here? or What story does this tell? A pile of rocks might hold hidden history, or it could be the raw material for a sculpture. The more you ask, the more you’ll discover—not just about the world, but also about yourself.

3. Embrace a Growth Mindset

Seeing a cathedral in a rock pile means believing in the potential for transformation. A growth mindset helps you view challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities to learn and create. When faced with a difficult situation, think about how it could evolve into something meaningful. For example, a frustrating delay might become an opportunity to reflect, plan, or connect with someone you wouldn’t have otherwise met.

4. Learn from Visionary Thinkers

We are surrounded by examples of people who saw potential where others didn’t. From artists who repurposed found objects (like Noah Purifoy) to entrepreneurs who turned simple ideas into impactful businesses, these visionaries remind us that transformation is always possible. Seek out their stories for inspiration, and let their journeys remind you that every grand creation starts with a small spark of an idea.

5. Set Intentions to See Beauty

Sometimes, seeing cathedrals in rock piles requires a deliberate decision to look for beauty and meaning. Make it a daily practice to find something extraordinary in your everyday surroundings. Keep a journal where you document your observations or moments of inspiration. Over time, this habit will train your mind to notice the possibilities that others might overlook.

The ability to see cathedrals in rock piles is about more than imagination; it’s a mindset that transforms how we engage with the world. By choosing to see potential and beauty in the everyday, we open ourselves up to creativity, growth, and joy. The next time you encounter a rock pile, pause for a moment and ask yourself what it could become. You might just find that the image of a cathedral is waiting for you to imagine it into existence.

Now it’s your turn: What rock piles in your life could you transform into cathedrals? Let this be the day you start looking at life with fresh eyes and boundless possibility.