We Get What We Seek

Whatever your intent is, you are likely to succeed.

If your intent is to win the argument, chances are you will find a way to get in the last word.

If your intent is to hear the other person’s side, chances are you will succeed at that too.

If your intent is to train your team members, you will probably succeed.

If your intent is to look like you are training them, you will probably succeed at this too (it will be apparent that you want it to look that way).

If your intent is to be respectful…you are likely to succeed. 

If your intent is to avoid conflict, you’re likely to succeed at that too.  They’re not the same thing.

If your intent is to be more healthy, you are likely to succeed.

If your intent is to look more healthy, you’re also likely to succeed.

Whatever your intent is, you are likely to succeed.

The challenge is, it’s not so easy to discern our true intent. Most of us have a strong desire to deceive ourselves so we can tell the stories we like to tell about ourselves.

But if you can detect your true intent, it’s a valuable thing, because it will tell you where you’re likely to end up.  And it will give you the chance to change (or reaffirm) your course.

What’s your intent?