Last week’s Thought for the Week was “Say it While You Can” and how often do we truly express our gratitude and appreciation for those we cherish. If you missed it, you can catch up here
Image: Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto
A couple of weeks ago, we reflected on “The Why Behind the What” – the purpose behind our actions. This week let’s build on that idea by focusing on intention – the deliberate way we bring our purpose to life in the small moments and daily choices that shape our work and lives.
In a world filled with responsibilities, deadlines, and distractions, purpose can often feel like a distant goal – an aspiration we try to keep in mind as we go through our daily tasks. But the true power of purpose lies not just in knowing why we do what we do; it’s in how we bring that purpose to life each day. That’s where intention comes in.
Why Intention Matters
Intention is the conscious choice to focus on how we approach our actions. Working with intention means our inner dialog and making mindful choices, even in routine tasks. When we’re intentional, we’re focused, present, and aware of the impact we want to create. Intention is what turns a simple task into a meaningful contribution and helps us stay connected to our purpose, even on the busiest days.
While purpose answers the question of ‘why’, intention answers the question of ‘how’ – how we show up, interact, and bring our values to each moment.
Working with intention allows us to live our purpose in real time. It’s the difference between doing a task just to complete it and doing a task to create a specific impact, for example to improve a process for the greater good of the team and the business.
Intention keeps us engaged, helping us to avoid the autopilot mode that can set in during busy weeks. With intention, even the most routine tasks can take on a sense of purpose, and we become more mindful of the contributions we’re making.
How to Bring Intention into Your Daily Work
If you’re wondering how to practice intention, here are a few simple ways to start:
- Begin with a Clear Focus
Before starting your day or a new project, take a moment to set an intention. Ask yourself: What impact do I want to have today? What do I want to accomplish or contribute through this work? Setting a clear intention helps guide your focus and keeps you connected to your larger purpose.
- Stay Present in Each Task
Distractions are a constant challenge, but bringing intention to each task helps us to stay grounded and fully present. By focusing on one task at a time, we can pour our best effort into it, knowing that each action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger whole.
- Align Actions with Values
Intention is strengthened when it aligns with your personal values. Whether it’s integrity, kindness, creativity, or collaboration, bring your values into your interactions and work processes. When we act in alignment with our values, we create work that is meaningful and fulfilling.
- Reflect and Refine
At the end of the day or week, take time to reflect. Ask yourself:
- Did my actions align with my intentions?
- What could I do differently next time to bring even more intention to my work?
These reflections help us to continuously improve and stay connected to the impact we want to make.
Living and Leading with Intention
For leaders, working with intention has an added benefit: it sets an example for others. When leaders model mindful, intentional behaviour, they create a work culture that values focus, purpose, and presence. This environment empowers others to approach their own work with similar care, creating a ripple effect that fosters connection and collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Intention is a powerful way to bridge the gap between purpose and action. While purpose gives us direction, intention brings that direction into each day, task, and interaction.
As we go through this week, I invite you to try an experiment! As you approach your work and other people, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve in this moment? How can I bring my best to this task or interaction? In doing so, we will not only achieve our goals, but we will also create a work environment rich with meaning, connection, and purpose.
“Success isn’t about doing everything.
It’s about doing the right things with intentional focus.”
– Greg McKeown –
[British author, public speaker, leadership and business strategist.]
Let’s embrace intention this week, letting it guide us in our actions and relationships, and see the difference it makes in the work we do as well as in our lives.
With warmest wishes,
Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Feel free to share your experiences and insights!
P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with me here
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