Photography is often said to be an essentially causal medium.
As you look through you viewfinder, consider what you see to be your canvas. Everything within that frame (or on your canvas) plays a part in the overall shot. Taking this approach can help you to pay closer attention to what you are including (besides you main subject matter) and how you are arranging all of it within your image. Being more deliberate with the various elements in your frame will improve your work tremendously.