Patterns. Patterns are simply recurring events, images, objects, sounds. They’re all around us. Some are visual, others are written. Some are behavioral. Cars in a parking lot are constructed or intentional patterns - spaces are laid out to make an efficient use of a pattern. Others, like the spots on a leopard, are semi-random. Genetics determines their construct. Most of us can see the patterns in the obvious. But only a few can spot patterns that will become a trend. Even fewer understand the difference between trends and fads (trends are a pattern that becomes a permanent way of doing something as opposed to a fad, which ceases to be a trend as soon as the novelty wears off).

Patterns in and of themselves are simply tools. Knowing how to use them is what makes them valuable. Police officers and law enforcement noticed the value of patterns eons ago. Being able to capture serial killers as well as to solve most crimes requires the ability to recognize and apply patterns to solve a problem. Louder Than Words: Take Your Career from Average to Exceptional with the Hidden Power of Nonverbal Intelligence is a book by former FBI agent Joe Navarro. It’s excellent. And it’s a great example of how anyone can use visual patterns of behavior to communicate better and to understand what a person means as opposed to what they’re simply saying.

Businesses use patterns to determine how best to market a product. Others use patterns to determine how many employees to have on hand to meet consumer needs. The solutions to any problem are always in the patterns.

Let me say that again. The great thing about patterns as tools is, for EVERY problem there is a solution and it is ALWAYS found within the patterns around the problem. If you’re not finding solutions, you’re not seeing the pattern. If you see the pattern, but not the solution, you may be looking at the wrong pattern.