What Is Your Intention?

Paper maps.
MapQuest.
Google Maps.

Each innovation proves more convenient than their forerunner. These tools help people travel across unknown territory to reach their desired destination. Driving helps us move from one place to another. Directions help ensure we arrive at the desired location.

Driving is like our attention, and directions are like our intentions.

Whenever I was struggling to make a change in my life, I thought it was an attention problem. If I paid attention, I thought the rest would fall into place. Yet, intention matters too.

I spent my time being busy rather than working on what matters most.
I concentrated on the metrics rather than the creation itself.
I became fixated on the future rather than how to enjoy the present moment.

Every time, I felt both focused and lost. I paid attention, but I soon realized I needed to be intentional too.

We can keep driving, but if we head in the wrong direction, we’ll never get to our destination.
We can pay attention, but if we’re paying attention to the wrong thing, we’ll never get to our desired outcome.
One step in the right direction is better than a dozen steps in the wrong direction.

Attention is valuable, but so are intentions.
What is your intention?