The Power of Intention
The Power of Intention
-Dr. Paul Pearsall, Toxic Success
Overwhelmed! That's a word I've heard a lot lately. As we approach the holiday season, that theme rings as loud as the Salvation Army bells.
A client recently exclaimed, “Who has the time to focus on one thing at a time these days? That's a luxury I just cannot afford!” In an effort to be more efficient, most of us have learned how to multitask.
Computers are known for their ability to multitask. For example, you can compose a letter while scanning for viruses or downloading a software update. But have you noticed that even computers are often not as efficient when multitasking? The functions slow way down when too many resources are being called upon at one time. Our brains are even more susceptible to loss of productivity when we try to do two or more things at once – especially if they are complex or require a high degree of concentration. Studies show a drop in efficiency of 30-50% on individual tasks performed while multitasking.
Perhaps one of the worst forms of multitasking is when we're trying to spend “quality” time with a loved one, while also trying to be “productive.” I'll never forget an experience I had years ago when I went to my daughter's soccer game on a day that I was feeling overwhelmed and behind. I had grabbed the mail on the way out the door. In my attempt to be efficient with my time, I was sorting through the mail while watching the game. Unfortunately, I was looking down when my daughter made her only goal of the game. I felt terrible when someone said, “Did you see that? Your daughter just made a goal!” Although she never knew, it was one of those moments I could never get back. (I could have read the mail anytime.)
When my daughter was 17 years old, and I realized that in two years she would be away at college. I constantly asked myself, “What do I choose to focus on right now?” If I say yes to an opportunity to work with an out-of-town client, I will be saying no to spending that time with her ... time was becoming more precious by the moment. One of the reasons that I became a certified teleclasses instructor was because I enjoy working with clients from all over the globe, and now I can provide some of my services without having to travel. I learned how to effectively use the telephone to provide “workshops” by phone.
I love to multitask when quality is not compromised with either task. For example, I enjoy reading, listening to a CD, or watching TV while on the treadmill. I used to do a lot of needlepoint – something I could easily do while visiting with a friend or watching TV. However, one time I tried to do counted cross-stitch, and I discovered that it required too much concentration to combine with anything else and do it right...which explains why I hate doing counted cross-stitch!
-- To multitask or NOT to multitask...that is the question! --
Ask yourself these two questions as you consciously choose which tasks to multitask and which to be solo focused on:
Will I compromise quality or productivity by multitasking? Am I proficient enough with these tasks that I can handle both at the same time without compromising quality or efficiency with either of them?
Will someone else feel dishonored if I multitask while I am spending time with them? Given that we're human beings, not human doings...how am I being while I am doing something else? Am I sending a message that I don't intend to convey to someone else when I choose to multitask rather than being fully present with them?
I am writing this article while on an airplane, so you could say that I am multitasking (flying and writing at the same time). This worked well for me until a few minutes ago when the flight attendant got on the intercom to give a commercial about the airline's frequent flyer program. Even though I am already a Mileage Plus member and had no interest in listening, the speaker was right over my ears and I could not concentrate on writing this article while she was speaking. I chose to take a break and come back to my writing when the flight attendant was finished talking. Now it's quiet again and I can continue...
-- Got everything done. Died anyway. --
-Epitaph of a toxically successful person
Paul Pearsall, author of Toxic Success: How to Stop Striving and Start Thriving, defines two kinds of success. He says that toxic success "leaves you and those who live and work with you feeling constantly pressured, overwhelmed, and with too little time to share the enjoyment of the simple but profound things in life. Toxic success is a state we 'pursue,' a goal we seem pushed to work for."
Pearsall defines sweet success as "being able to pay full and undivided attention to what matters most in our life. It results in a state of consistent and adaptive satisfaction and delight with one's blend of love, work, and play. Rather than being consumed by earning a living, it results in feeling totally alive.finding joy with someone else in the good life in the present."
If only we could set aside the constant distractions caused by the pressure to do, have, and be more. Millions of us are too busy and too self-absorbed to realize that we already have the success we so desperately seek. Sweet success is about living fully in the moment and recognizing that enough is enough! Being technically proficient in your business or profession will only get you so far . especially if you destroy your most important relationships in the process of achieving that proficiency.
Pearsall has also written another excellent book, The Heart's Code, Tapping the Wisdom and Power of our Heart Energy. In this book, he offers a Heart Energy Amplitude Recognition Test (H*E*A*R*T*) on page 30-31, which I took and was surprised at how high my score was. (I was painfully honest in answering the questions. A high score is not considered to be good.)
-- Reduce the overwhelm -- narrow your focus to three intentions at a time! --
Are you living your life on purpose? Is your self-talk full of "I have-to," "I should," "I gotta," "I can't," or "I wish"? How often do you say "I choose to..."?
Maybe it's time to quit shoulding on yourself and be at choice! You're eventually headed for a crash landing if you do not honor your values and your life purpose by consciously choosing what you want and being intentional with your behavior and responses. And auto pilot may not be set to get you where you want to go.
Begin by jotting down some intentions. When you set your intentions, choose ones that you're willing to put your time and energy behind and that are most important to YOU. Keep them short and simple. When you look back over the list, does it represent what matters most to you at this time in your life?
Here are some examples:
I intend to lose 10 pounds.
I intend feel more rested and energetic when I wake up each morning.
I intend to take one full 24-hour day away from work each week (including e-mail).
I intend to leave my office by 6:00 PM each day.
I intend to give 10% of my earnings to charity.
I intend to save 10% of my earnings for retirement.
I intend to spend time on the kind of work that is most meaningful to me and say no to the work that does not fit my mission.
I intend to deepen my relationship with my spouse.
I intend to feel more connected to my kids.
Because your brain can only focus on so much at one time, I suggest that you identify no more than three goals or habits to work on over the next three months. Jot down your three most important goals or areas of focus, and then underneath each goal write a description of the results you intend to achieve. Remember... trying to concentrate on more than three primary goals at a time can put your mind into overload.
Set goals for the next three months. You've already stated your intentions. Now get REALLY specific by identifying measurable goals to help you follow through with your intentions. (Hint: Notice that my examples are not all about work.)
BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AT WORK
Have a system in place to follow up on calls and letters in a timely way.
Be on time or early for appointments.
Take journals & mail with me so I can catch up on my reading if I am early for an appointment.
Break larger tasks into smaller ones with deadlines assigned to each smaller task.
Set realistic goals and deadlines for new projects and stay on task.
Remind myself that when I say "yes" to one thing I am saying "no" to other things.
Only say yes to what is important.
Do weekly planning every Friday for the coming week.
IMPROVE MY HEALTH & FITNESS
Design & follow a workout program that will reduce my body fat to 20% by June 1.
Do 30 minutes of cardiovascular workout 4x/wk. to maintain my target heart rate.
Pack my lunch and only go out to eat for appointments with others. Choose low-fat menu items when I go out to eat.
Eat 3 meals a day; finish the last meal before 8 PM.
Reduce sugar, simple carbohydrates, and fat consumption. Increase protein, fiber, & complex carbohydrate consumption.
Take vitamins twice a day.
Go to bed by 10:00 P.M. Sunday - Thursday
SPEND MORE QUALITY TIME WITH MY FAMILY
Plan a "date night" each week and arrange for a babysitter for the kids.
Plan a quarterly family weekend away (within driving distance of home) without laptop or cell phone.
Hold weekly family meetings to discuss schedules and plan family meals and activities. (Review tips on family meetings.)
Don't give unsolicited advice to my spouse or kids. Don't try to "fix." Practice reflective listening instead.
Share appreciation; give daily hugs to each family member. Be connected.
Receive support as you change behaviors...
In order to create new behaviors which will get and keep you at the enhanced level at which you wish to function, you may need support.
An accountability partner or personal coach can help you...
... reflect back what you say you want so you can hear yourself.
... clarify what it will take to get you from where you are to where you want to be.
... build in accountability check-ins (without judgment) around the actions you choose to take.
The Power of Intention - To learn more about this author, visit Kathy Paauw's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
“The work will wait while you watch the rainbow. The rainbow won't wait while you work.”
-Dr. Paul Pearsall, Toxic Success
Overwhelmed! That's a word I've heard a lot lately. As we approach the holiday season, that theme rings as loud as the Salvation Army bells.
A client recently exclaimed, “Who has the time to focus on one thing at a time these days? That's a luxury I just cannot afford!” In an effort to be more efficient, most of us have learned how to multitask.
Computers are known for their ability to multitask. For example, you can compose a letter while scanning for viruses or downloading a software update. But have you noticed that even computers are often not as efficient when multitasking? The functions slow way down when too many resources are being called upon at one time. Our brains are even more susceptible to loss of productivity when we try to do two or more things at once – especially if they are complex or require a high degree of concentration. Studies show a drop in efficiency of 30-50% on individual tasks performed while multitasking.
Perhaps one of the worst forms of multitasking is when we're trying to spend “quality” time with a loved one, while also trying to be “productive.” I'll never forget an experience I had years ago when I went to my daughter's soccer game on a day that I was feeling overwhelmed and behind. I had grabbed the mail on the way out the door. In my attempt to be efficient with my time, I was sorting through the mail while watching the game. Unfortunately, I was looking down when my daughter made her only goal of the game. I felt terrible when someone said, “Did you see that? Your daughter just made a goal!” Although she never knew, it was one of those moments I could never get back. (I could have read the mail anytime.)
When my daughter was 17 years old, and I realized that in two years she would be away at college. I constantly asked myself, “What do I choose to focus on right now?” If I say yes to an opportunity to work with an out-of-town client, I will be saying no to spending that time with her ... time was becoming more precious by the moment. One of the reasons that I became a certified teleclasses instructor was because I enjoy working with clients from all over the globe, and now I can provide some of my services without having to travel. I learned how to effectively use the telephone to provide “workshops” by phone.
I love to multitask when quality is not compromised with either task. For example, I enjoy reading, listening to a CD, or watching TV while on the treadmill. I used to do a lot of needlepoint – something I could easily do while visiting with a friend or watching TV. However, one time I tried to do counted cross-stitch, and I discovered that it required too much concentration to combine with anything else and do it right...which explains why I hate doing counted cross-stitch!
-- To multitask or NOT to multitask...that is the question! --
Ask yourself these two questions as you consciously choose which tasks to multitask and which to be solo focused on:
Will I compromise quality or productivity by multitasking? Am I proficient enough with these tasks that I can handle both at the same time without compromising quality or efficiency with either of them?
Will someone else feel dishonored if I multitask while I am spending time with them? Given that we're human beings, not human doings...how am I being while I am doing something else? Am I sending a message that I don't intend to convey to someone else when I choose to multitask rather than being fully present with them?
I am writing this article while on an airplane, so you could say that I am multitasking (flying and writing at the same time). This worked well for me until a few minutes ago when the flight attendant got on the intercom to give a commercial about the airline's frequent flyer program. Even though I am already a Mileage Plus member and had no interest in listening, the speaker was right over my ears and I could not concentrate on writing this article while she was speaking. I chose to take a break and come back to my writing when the flight attendant was finished talking. Now it's quiet again and I can continue...
-- Got everything done. Died anyway. --
-Epitaph of a toxically successful person
Paul Pearsall, author of Toxic Success: How to Stop Striving and Start Thriving, defines two kinds of success. He says that toxic success "leaves you and those who live and work with you feeling constantly pressured, overwhelmed, and with too little time to share the enjoyment of the simple but profound things in life. Toxic success is a state we 'pursue,' a goal we seem pushed to work for."
Pearsall defines sweet success as "being able to pay full and undivided attention to what matters most in our life. It results in a state of consistent and adaptive satisfaction and delight with one's blend of love, work, and play. Rather than being consumed by earning a living, it results in feeling totally alive.finding joy with someone else in the good life in the present."
If only we could set aside the constant distractions caused by the pressure to do, have, and be more. Millions of us are too busy and too self-absorbed to realize that we already have the success we so desperately seek. Sweet success is about living fully in the moment and recognizing that enough is enough! Being technically proficient in your business or profession will only get you so far . especially if you destroy your most important relationships in the process of achieving that proficiency.
Pearsall has also written another excellent book, The Heart's Code, Tapping the Wisdom and Power of our Heart Energy. In this book, he offers a Heart Energy Amplitude Recognition Test (H*E*A*R*T*) on page 30-31, which I took and was surprised at how high my score was. (I was painfully honest in answering the questions. A high score is not considered to be good.)
-- Reduce the overwhelm -- narrow your focus to three intentions at a time! --
Are you living your life on purpose? Is your self-talk full of "I have-to," "I should," "I gotta," "I can't," or "I wish"? How often do you say "I choose to..."?
Maybe it's time to quit shoulding on yourself and be at choice! You're eventually headed for a crash landing if you do not honor your values and your life purpose by consciously choosing what you want and being intentional with your behavior and responses. And auto pilot may not be set to get you where you want to go.
Begin by jotting down some intentions. When you set your intentions, choose ones that you're willing to put your time and energy behind and that are most important to YOU. Keep them short and simple. When you look back over the list, does it represent what matters most to you at this time in your life?
Here are some examples:
I intend to lose 10 pounds.
I intend feel more rested and energetic when I wake up each morning.
I intend to take one full 24-hour day away from work each week (including e-mail).
I intend to leave my office by 6:00 PM each day.
I intend to give 10% of my earnings to charity.
I intend to save 10% of my earnings for retirement.
I intend to spend time on the kind of work that is most meaningful to me and say no to the work that does not fit my mission.
I intend to deepen my relationship with my spouse.
I intend to feel more connected to my kids.
Because your brain can only focus on so much at one time, I suggest that you identify no more than three goals or habits to work on over the next three months. Jot down your three most important goals or areas of focus, and then underneath each goal write a description of the results you intend to achieve. Remember... trying to concentrate on more than three primary goals at a time can put your mind into overload.
Set goals for the next three months. You've already stated your intentions. Now get REALLY specific by identifying measurable goals to help you follow through with your intentions. (Hint: Notice that my examples are not all about work.)
BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AT WORK
Have a system in place to follow up on calls and letters in a timely way.
Be on time or early for appointments.
Take journals & mail with me so I can catch up on my reading if I am early for an appointment.
Break larger tasks into smaller ones with deadlines assigned to each smaller task.
Set realistic goals and deadlines for new projects and stay on task.
Remind myself that when I say "yes" to one thing I am saying "no" to other things.
Only say yes to what is important.
Do weekly planning every Friday for the coming week.
IMPROVE MY HEALTH & FITNESS
Design & follow a workout program that will reduce my body fat to 20% by June 1.
Do 30 minutes of cardiovascular workout 4x/wk. to maintain my target heart rate.
Pack my lunch and only go out to eat for appointments with others. Choose low-fat menu items when I go out to eat.
Eat 3 meals a day; finish the last meal before 8 PM.
Reduce sugar, simple carbohydrates, and fat consumption. Increase protein, fiber, & complex carbohydrate consumption.
Take vitamins twice a day.
Go to bed by 10:00 P.M. Sunday - Thursday
SPEND MORE QUALITY TIME WITH MY FAMILY
Plan a "date night" each week and arrange for a babysitter for the kids.
Plan a quarterly family weekend away (within driving distance of home) without laptop or cell phone.
Hold weekly family meetings to discuss schedules and plan family meals and activities. (Review tips on family meetings.)
Don't give unsolicited advice to my spouse or kids. Don't try to "fix." Practice reflective listening instead.
Share appreciation; give daily hugs to each family member. Be connected.
Receive support as you change behaviors...
In order to create new behaviors which will get and keep you at the enhanced level at which you wish to function, you may need support.
An accountability partner or personal coach can help you...
... reflect back what you say you want so you can hear yourself.
... clarify what it will take to get you from where you are to where you want to be.
... build in accountability check-ins (without judgment) around the actions you choose to take.
The Power of Intention - To learn more about this author, visit Kathy Paauw's Website.
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John PowerJohn Power, founder of Biltmore Franchise Consulting, has extensive experience developing and marketing franchises and business opportunities. He has been in and around franchising for over twenty years. From 1980 through 1990 he conceptualized, organized, and developed the American Video Association. He grew AVA to 2,000 national members, before selling the company it 1990. It was later merged into another home video marketing company. From 2000 to 2005 he worked as a contract marketing and human resources consultant to several local and national companies. In 2005 Mr. Power began working as a franchise development consultant on a full-time basis. Since that time he has helped more than three dozen companies initiate and develop their franchising program. He notes that there are many companies interested in developing a franchise program, and who need his specialized assistance. Mr. Power is a “hands-on” franchise consultant. He said, “I am the ‘nuts and bolts’ person who tends to the details for my clients.” Mr. Power holds a B.S. degree with a major in Marketing. See: www.biltmorefranchise.com You may contact Mr. Power at: jpower@biltmorefranchise.co - Visit John Power's Website |
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Kim CastleWith nearly two decades in the advertising and design business, with clients like Domino's Pizza, General Motors, Direct TV, Pedigree, Wolfgang Puck, Higher Octave Music, Hollywood Celebrity Products, Disney, and Paramount, as well as thousands of entrepreneurs around the world define, structure, communicate, and position their business for greater profits, BrandU(R) co-creators Kim Castle and W. Vito Montone discovered that entrepreneurs could experience the same power that big brands command for a fraction of the cost with the world's only process-based results-drive Integral approach to business creation. BrandU(R) is helping entrepreneurs grow with the power of extreme clarity from idea...to brand...to market(TM) and helping one million entrepreneurs become successful and whole so that they can make a difference in the world. Are you one of them? If you want to experience clarity all the way to the bank(TM), get started now at http://www.brandu.com. - Visit Kim Castle's Website |
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Dave KurlanDave Kurlan is the founder and CEO of Objective Management Group, Inc., the industry leader in sales assessments and sales force evaluations, and the CEO of David Kurlan & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in sales force development. Dave has been a top rated speaker at Inc. Magazine's Conference on Growing the Company, the Sales & Marketing Management Conference and the Gazelles Sales & Marketing Summit. He has been featured on radio and TV, including World Business Review with General Norman Schwarzkopf, in Inc. Magazine, Selling Power Magazine, Sales & Marketing Management Magazine and Incentive Magazine. He is the author of Mindless Selling and Baseline Selling – How to Become a Sales Superstar by Using What You Already Know about the Game of Baseball. He created and wrote STAR, a proprietary recruiting process for hiring great salespeople, and he writes Understanding the Sales Force, a popular business Blog and is a contributing author to The Death of 20th Century Selling and 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2. - Visit Dave Kurlan's Website |
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George LudwigGeorge Ludwig is a recognized authority on sales strategy and peak performance psychology. An international speaker, trainer, and corporate consultant, he helps clients like Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Northwestern Mutual, CIGNA, and numerous others improve sales force effectiveness and performance. Though it's George's strategies and processes that help corporations increase productivity and performance, it's his tremendous energy and dynamism that spark the transformation. Again and again, clients remark on his amazing ability to unleash human capacity and inspire men and women to break out of their comfort zones. The result is a whole new type of salesperson. His customized presentations teach achievers to make stunning advances in their lives. From helping salespeople realize cherished dreams to helping corporations exponentially accelerate revenue streams, George Ludwig leaves audiences and individuals empowered, emboldened, and clamoring for more. George is the best-selling author of Power Selling: Seven Strategies for Cracking the Sales Code and Wise Moves: 60 Quick Tips to Improve Your Position in Life & Business. - Visit George Ludwig's Website |
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Linda RichardsonLinda Richardson is the Founder and Executive Chairwoman of Richardson, a global sales training and performance improvement company. As a recognized leader in the industry, she has won the coveted Stevie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sales Excellence and she was identified by Training Industry, Inc. as one of the “Top 20 Most Influential Training Professionals.” Ms. Richardson is credited with the movement to Consultative Selling and is the author of ten books on selling and sales management, including Sales Coaching — Making the Great Leap from Sales Manager to Sales Coach, and Stop Telling, Start Selling. She teaches sales and management at the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton Executive Development Center. Linda is a frequent speaker at industry and client conferences, has been published extensively in industry and training journals, and has been featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Nation’s Business, Selling Power, Success, and The Conference Board Magazine. Learn more about Richardson's sales training and performance improvement solutions at http://www.richardson.com web - Visit Linda Richardson's Website |
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