What Your Intentions Say About You

Like fuzzy thinking with lots's of wiggle room? Does being invisible get you off? Hate going out on a limb?

Fine, expressing intention isn't for you? Give it up. Move on. These words ain't for you.

Get all clammy at thoughts of failing? Sigh in relief when stepping back and away?

Living intentionally isn't for you. Adopt a pet. Buy a goldfish.

Everyone raises their hands and nod all bobble-headed-like when asked if they want to be more intentional at work and in life. Most though don't even know what the word means. Prove my point. What does the word "intention." mean to you?

Intention expresses purpose or mindset directed to an outcome.

Here's what intention isn't. Intention isn't what you're going to do, that's an action, a task, a means to an end. It isn't why you're going to do what you're going to do, that's motivation. It isn't how your going to do what you want to do, that's your behavior. It isn't your goal, that's your objective.

Intention is your purpose. Your mindset. Intention is directed toward an outcome.

Want to be more intentioned? What to be a cause rather than the effect?

Try following this simple 15-step approach to freeing yourself to declare your intention;

1. Get out of your cozy treehouse and move out of your comfort zone and onto a limb.
2. Be bold. Live a bit without fear. Put yourself in a situation where you have to act.
3. Know what you want. Decide what you want.
4. Determine if it's attainable, if it's realistic. Swing for the fences.
5. Craft your message of declaration. Make sure you're message fits your situation.
6. Get needed feedback. Adjust accordingly.
7. Plan your communication strategy; how you'll communicate across who by when.
8. Make your intention public. Feel free.
9. Be visible. Everyone loves Casper the Ghost. No one wants to be him.
10. Push yourself into positions where you have to step up. Then step up.
11. Swing for the fences. You won't die.
12. Get over yourself. Transcend your fears. You're bigger than you think.
13. Express your wants. It won't kill you. It will thrill you. And others, when done right.
14. Fail fast and fail forward. You can adapt. You're not a dinosaur. Or are you?
15. Plan. Act. Evaluate. Then repeat the process. Again. And again. And again.

Here's what's required to express your intention;

1. Vulnerability.
2. Self-Awareness.
3. Risk tolerance.
4. Think-thru.
5. Clear communication to your self and influential others.
6. Planning and organizing (to insure what you state as your intention becomes your outcome reality).

Have I missed anything? You tell me. Actually, forget me. It's all about you.

Talk with yourself.

Determine what your missing at work and in life.

Step up. Define what you want. Decide most appropriate actions need to get win. Be visible.

Then plan your approach to getting your want fulfilled across who by when - if . . . being honest, self-aware and declaring your intention - is your intention!