If You Want To Supercharge Your Life, Do This

One of the greatest compliments I ever received was when a friend told me that the word I used most was noticed, as in “I noticed that you ______.”

He went on to explain that I pay attention to things, but more importantly, I take action.

Read that last part again: I take action.

Why does this matter?

Because merely observing something makes you a spectator; taking action means you go one step further and use that observation to achieve a purpose and effect positive change.

The former is passive; the latter is proactive.

In other words, it's about using attention and intention to move your life forward.

Let's break down those two essential qualities:

Attention is all about focused effort. It’s about being highly selective with your time and energy and aligning them with your goals. This also means sometimes subtracting things from our lives that distract us from what we want. When you say no to the things that no longer serve you, you can say yes to the things that do.

Paying attention also has the added benefit of demonstrating respect to others. This world has a cacophony of noise. Tons of distractions. A million reasons that make it difficult to be heard. When you actively listen to your boss, colleagues, and clients, you show them that they matter most.

And finally, when you pay attention (and aren't busy multi-tasking), you increase the odds of observing things that others might miss—patterns, errors, or new opportunities. Create an environment where interruptions are minimized, so you’ll be free to take notice.

Intention means you commit to what you want. This is where you swear allegiance to a specific outcome. It's where you translate a lofty goal into something that is front of your mind EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Doing this involves creating reminders that resonate with you, and it also requires the practice that turns a new idea into a lasting habit.

Here's the thing about intention: it's never wishy-washy. It requires clarity about what you want and what you hope to achieve and then has you create an unshakeable determination to accomplish it. But at the same time, it's open enough to allow alternative—and sometimes, even better—possibilities to emerge. It doesn't let fear to hold it back; it's action-oriented.

Though each is important, the simple truth is this: Attention without intention is meaningless.

Tremendous growth and learning occur at the intersection of attention and intention. When you're in that space, what you observe—and then take action on—can catapult your career. For instance:

• Perhaps while scanning the P&L, you discover a huge accounting error...that leads to saving the company millions of dollars.
• Maybe you notice a pattern of people using your product in an unintended and unique way...and that generates a brand new market.
• Or you might suddenly have the insight to combine two seemingly disparate things...which solves an old problem and creates an innovative new category.

Without follow-up, all of these examples would be fleeting thoughts—and missed opportunities.

Remember: attention without intention is meaningless. But noticing things—and acting on them—can make amazing things happen.

This article was first published on Forbes.com.

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?Amy Blaschka is a ghostwriter and the co-founder of Park City Think Tank where she helps leaders shape and communicate their biggest ideas to their most important audiences.

In their new social media program, Weekly Wisdom, they help leaders publish their insights to connect deeply with the people who matter most to them.

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