INTENTION OR ATTENTION…

This week, I want to talk to you about why the concepts of intention and attention are basically a dynamic duo if you want to actually get things done!

Think about it. You know that your intention is when you decide to do something that really matters to you, but your attention is when you actually show up for it. However, I have noticed that most of us have plenty of good intentions, but it’s our attention that usually lets us down.

For example, we are often distracted by a notification on our phone, or something like that, or our mind wanders, and suddenly, before we know it, the thing that we cared about this morning, or we were even just doing, is immediately forgotten.

But the real magic happens when you can make these two concepts work together. You first set an intention, maybe to have a proper conversation with someone, or to actually enjoy your lunch, instead of eating at your desk, and then you give it your full and real attention.

Not your half-attention. Not that type of intention that pretends like you're listening to someone, or focusing on something, but really doing something else. Full attention. Real attention.

Without proper attention, your intentions are really just nice thoughts, as your attention will go wherever the loudest noise is. However, with real intention, your mind properly focuses on what you are doing.

Here are some other examples:

- You may tell yourself that you intend to start your day calmly, but if you’re constantly checking the newsfeed on your phone, while drinking your morning coffee, you will miss the whole point. It's then not the calm way you wanted it to be. You should try to properly taste your coffee, feel the warmth of the mug, and think about your day ahead. That’s where real intention meets real attention.

- You might want to properly connect in a conversation with someone you care about, but if, when you're speaking with them, you’re actually thinking about your to-do list, or something else, they’ll usually notice and feel it. It is only when you actually look at them and listen to them properly that something shifts.

- You can intend to relax and rest, but if you’re still mentally working and thinking about work, you won’t actually feel properly restored. It's only by putting in complete boundaries and genuinely switching off, that you can allow your mind to rest fully.

However, sometimes life just gets in the way. You can intend all you want, but when you’re exhausted, or something urgent comes up, or you’re simply not feeling it that day, this may not work. Remember, this isn’t about being perfect, or forcing focus on yourself when you’re running on empty; it's about noticing when you can bring your intention and attention together and consciously doing that.

So, this week, remember to notice the moments where your intention and attention can actually line up, and where you’re doing something because it matters, and you’re genuinely present for it. And remember, intention and attention work best when they’re working together!