Seeing Around Corners

I was recently watching a documentary about Peter Thiel when the narrator described him as someone with a rare gift: the ability to see around corners. That phrase stuck with me.

Isn’t that something we’d all like to do—anticipate what’s coming, spot opportunities early, and avoid pitfalls before they appear?

Thiel is known for exactly that. Beyond co-founding PayPal and investing early in Facebook, he’s built a reputation for recognizing trends before the rest of the world. That’s why the documentary chose that phrase.

While we may not all be investors or entrepreneurs at his level, we can all practice and strengthen our own ability to see around corners in our lives, careers and relationships. Being able to anticipate what’s coming next can make all the difference in how you lead your business, guide a family, or just make better decisions in your life.

I’m working on my ability to “see around corners.” In fact, it’s a skill we can all practice. Here’s how:

1. Notice patterns. Themes and habits are early indicators of where things are headed.
2. Stay curious. Ask questions instead of assuming you already know the answer.
3. Seek diverse voices. Different perspectives reveal blind spots and spark new ideas.
4. Solve problems. Challenges are often signals of change—leaning into them prepares you for what’s next.

These practices don’t guarantee certainty, but they make me more aware, prepared and confident about the future.

PS: If you’d like a video version of this article, click here.