Motivation Monday - Are you giving attention or intention, and why it matters…

Summary

The speaker explores the vital distinction between 'intention' and 'attention' in life, business, and relationships. Highlighting insights from a leadership podcast, they explain that giving attention to something does not equate to having the intention to act. This is especially relevant in networking and partnerships, where superficial attention may not lead to meaningful collaboration. The speaker encourages listeners to critically assess their commitments, emphasizing that true success comes from aligning attention with intention, which fosters genuine connections and supports personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Attention and intention are distinct concepts; attention is what we focus on, while intention is the desire to act.
• 🤔 Just because something gets our attention doesn't mean we have the intention to pursue it or take action.
• 💼 In business, customers may show attention but may not have the intention to engage or invest in your offerings.
• ❤️ Relationships can be complicated; attention doesn't always equate to genuine intention or interest.
• 🔍 It's important to critically evaluate the attention we give to various aspects of our lives and whether we have the intention to develop them further.
• 📈 Consider how your goals align with your intentions, especially in professional settings and networking opportunities.
• 🎓 In education, many applicants show attention by filling out forms, but only those with real intention will follow through and graduate.
• 📅 Reflect on your weekly goals and assess whether you have both attention and intention for each task.
• 🛠️ Building partnerships or collaborations requires distinguishing between genuine interest and mere attention.
• 🌱 Developing intentionality in our pursuits can lead to greater success and fulfillment in both personal and professional spheres.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between intention and attention as discussed in the script?

Attention refers to the focus we give to something, while intention is about the purpose and commitment to take action and follow through.

How can attention impact business relationships?

Attention can attract potential customers or partners, but it does not guarantee a genuine intention to engage or collaborate.

Why is it important to distinguish between attention and intention?

Distinguishing between the two helps us understand the true motivations behind interactions, leading to more meaningful relationships and effective decision-making.

What are some practical ways to assess intention in professional interactions?

Evaluate whether the attention received translates into actions or commitments that align with your goals, and discern if the other party shows genuine interest in collaboration.

How does the podcast relate attention and intention to personal growth?

The podcast emphasizes that simply giving attention to personal growth activities or goals does not mean there is an intention to actively pursue and achieve them.

What example does the script provide regarding intention in education?

It mentions individuals completing applications for programs at Walsh College, where attention is shown in the application process, but true intention is needed to enroll and graduate.

How can one ensure that their attention is aligned with intention?

Reflect on your goals and evaluate whether your focus on specific tasks or relationships is backed by a commitment to follow through and achieve desired outcomes.

What impact does attention without intention have on relationships?

Attention without intention can lead to superficial interactions that lack depth and meaningful engagement, making it difficult to build trust and collaboration.

What advice does the script offer for the upcoming week?

Consider what you are giving attention to and whether you have the intention to integrate those aspects into your life and execute on them effectively.

In what contexts can the concepts of attention and intention be applied?

These concepts can be applied across various areas, including personal relationships, professional environments, leadership roles, and personal development efforts.