Intention + Monday Matters.
Issue 2: The Power of Intention to Focus Attention
The Net-Net: Many a “TIk Tok Teen” has mastered the art of manifesting, believing that if they think hard enough, with enough passion and diligence, they can shape destiny. The actual truth is, they are simply focusing attention and intention at a sub-conscious level on the things they want to achieve—seeing opportunities that were always in front of them but covered up by the noise of every day. Intention and attention are what allows you to see the opportunity, the signal in the noise. This issue will tell you how to have more intention with more success.
A Simple Visual to Make the Point
Cool and Scary Data
52% of new joiners who stay for at least 6 months are still looking for a new job.
1 in 3 new joiners quit within 90 days citing a mismatch of expectations.
There is a zero correlation between the espoused values of a company (what is voiced) and values experienced by employees day-to-day.
80% of Great Resignation quitters regret their decision.
Practical Tips
Know what you are solving for right now and check it on it frequently: Our jobs mean different things at different times in our lives. A job can be our sole endeavor, it can a means to an end, or it can be a chance to learn and grow. If you know why you are going to work, it is easier to stay fully engaged.
Prioritize work that is both high meaning and high impact: Make list of priorities you have for this week and plot them on a 4x4 matrix of low-to-high Meaning (how much does this task matter to you) and low-to-high Impact (how much does this task matter to your customers). Focus time and energy on high meaning/high impact whenever possible.
Reflect on who renews or steals your energy: Our relationships fuel our commitment and joy or create frustration and friction. There are people who feed us and those who wipe us out. Keep a running list in your head of those that fuel you and ensure that you have moments with them throughout the week. On the flip side, limit time with the “crazy makers” as much you can.
Connect to a product, a customer, or a story of impact every day: With the onslaught of tasks, to do lists, calendar invites, and fire drills, it is easy to forget why the world is better with your company in it. It is easy to go negative and disengage. If we don’t keep the purpose of the company front and center, our days are just filled with tedious things to get done.
Inspiration Doses
The Power of Good Intentions. (The Atlantic, 2012)
Don’t Make a Single New Year’s Resolution Until You Do This. (Fast Company, 2022)
Stop Languishing and Start Finding Flow with Adam Grant (TED, 2021)
Book Review In Haiku
Write for the Busy* -by André Martin Readable writing. If wishing could make it so, Oh, so much to know.
*Inspired by Todd Rogers and Jesica Lasky-Fink’s Writing for Busy Readers. This book isn’t complicated or heavy on theory. It is what it is attempting to teach, that words written with an eye on simplicity can radically shift the experience and the impact. Enough said. Check it out.
“GIF”-ffirmations
Let’s Connect!
Want to Buy a Copy of My New Book? Order Wrong Fit, Right Fit - Why How We Work Matters More Than Ever on Amazon here!
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What to learn more about my thoughts on “re-boarding”? I was featured in a recent Reworked feature. Click here to check it out.
What to learn more about my thoughts on managers? The editorial team at Quartz featured a segment of the book on how to rethink the role of the manager. Click here to access.