How Intention Supports Our Attention
ADHD Education | Coach Training
Intention is the reason we are paying attention to what we are paying attention to. Acting on or conveying our purpose reflects who we want to be. Intention strengthens the clarity of how we are using our attention and whether we can - or should - sustain it. If we are paying attention to something that has engaged our interest, our underlying intention will indicate whether that “something” is serving us well or not.
How Intention Supports Our Attention
There is a great deal that goes into managing how we pay attention in the world. Our interest is what stimulates the attention center in our brain. The intention is the reason we are paying attention to what we are paying attention to. These are two of several key elements that can improve our ability to create forward positive momentum or send us down a path with a negative outcome. For example, let’s say you are thinking about going gambling at a nearby casino (the focus of your attention) because you want to have a good time and forget about your unpaid bills and debt.
Intention is the reason we are paying attention to what we are paying attention to. Acting on or conveying our purpose reflects who we want to be. Intention strengthens the clarity of how we are using our attention and whether we can - or should - sustain it. If we are paying attention to something that has engaged our interest, our underlying intention will indicate whether that “something” is serving us well or not.
Defining your intention in this circumstance should be enough to show you that paying attention to gambling at this juncture will likely bring some negative consequences.
On the other hand, that same weekend you might choose instead to take a webinar on successful money management (the focus of your attention) to learn how to pay off your bills and live debt-free (your underlying intention). In this circumstance, defining your intention tells you everything you need to know about whether what you are paying attention to what will serve you well or what won't. So, you can see the difference between two stimulating situations: While both engage your interest, your underlying intention — the reason why you choose to pay attention to what you are paying attention to — can make all the difference in improving the quality of your life.
