The Best Six Words You Need To Embrace To Crush Your Career Goals

In a world where everyone is looking to get ahead by beating the algorithm or upping their level of hustle, the biggest growth hack might be the one hiding in plain sight: harnessing the power of intention.

An intention is something that you want and plan to do. It’s a noun of action derived from the Latin intendere, which means “to turn one’s attention.”

It’s been said that what you focus on grows, so it follows that where you choose to direct your attention can have a huge impact on your career progress. But how do you know that you’re focused on the right things? In the same way that being busy does not equal being productive, attention without intention is meaningless. You must make a conscious decision to align your attention with what matters most to you.

The best way to harness the power of intention is by embracing these six words: what you’re not changing, you’re choosing. Here’s how:

First, be clear on what you want

Here’s the thing about intention: it’s never wishy-washy. You can’t make progress if you “kind of” want something. Intention requires clarity about what you want and what you hope to achieve before you can create an unshakeable determination to accomplish it. But at the same time, it’s open enough to allow new and alternative—and sometimes, even better—possibilities to emerge. It doesn’t let fear to hold it back; it’s action-oriented.

Next, conduct an attention audit

Attention is all about focused effort. It’s about being highly selective with your time and energy and aligning them with your goals. Use your awareness to take stock of how you spend your time and conduct an attention audit. Ask yourself to what or whom you’re currently choosing to devote your time, and if this choice helps you move closer to your goals or prevents you from achieving them.

Also, make a note of your surroundings. This world has a cacophony of noise. Tons of distractions. A million reasons that make it challenging to zero in on what matters most. Create an environment where you minimize interruptions so you’ll be free to focus on your goals.

Finally, adjust accordingly

Once you’re clear on your goals and how and with whom you’re directing your attention, you’ll have a better picture of what elements need adjusting to optimize your growth. Ask yourself what you need to change to align with your intention. This also means sometimes subtracting things from your life that distract you from what we want. When you say no to the things that no longer serve you, you can say yes to those that do.

Harnessing the power of intention means you commit to what you want. This is where you swear allegiance to a specific outcome and where you translate a lofty goal into something that is front of your mind EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Doing so creates a new practice that into a lasting habit, which in turn will help you achieve your goals.

Remember to be intentional...

With your words.

With your actions.

With your thoughts.

With your time.

With your career.

With your life.

Because if you’re not changing it, you’re choosing it.

This article was first published on Forbes.com. Find it here, and Amy's other Forbes articles here.

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?Amy Blaschka is a social media ghostwriter who helps leaders craft their stories to communicate and connect better. Contact her if you'd like her help.?

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