“Never underestimate the power of Intentionally Focused Thinking!”
— JSP
I purposely schedule time for what I call quality think-time; examining how and knowing why we think, speak, and act as we do makes us masters instead of victims of circumstance.
The obvious alternative to being in control is being out of control. Thinking intentionally doesn’t mean you control your circumstances; it means you intelligently control your responses to them. Whether you’re riding a wave of successes or failures, quality think-time will allow you to make informed decisions consistently.
Thinking Through Life Gives You An Edge
I find focused (or reflective) thinking to be enlightening and empowering. James Allen wrote, “Mans mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, it will bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.” (1)
Peter Drucker says, “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”
I periodically set aside time to examine how and why I think as I do. Since our thoughts drive our words and behaviors, being intentional with both is vital. None of us has absolute control over our circumstances, but focused thinking gives us an edge by enabling us to make the best possible decisions with the data we have.
Thinking Through Life With an Abundance Mindset
We will see a world filled with opportunities if we entertain an abundance mindset. When we see the world through a scarcity mindset, we will see roadblocks at every turn, minimizing our potential.
John C. Maxwell has stated, “Whether you’re riding a wave of successes or failures, deep-focused thinking allows us to make better-informed decisions with a higher probability of successful outcomes.”
It’s all about where we choose to place our focus. We are either moving forward with a plan or frozen in place with a problem. Some people only see the obstacles in their path; an abundance mindset enables us to see a path littered with opportunities.
Think, Speak, and Act Proactively
We must accept that, more often than not, we aren’t victims of circumstance but of the outcomes of our own thoughts. Life changes when we decide to think and act intentionally with the hand we’re dealt. Quality intentional actions follow high-quality intentional thoughts.
Tim Stobierski writes, “Strategic thinking skills are any skills that enable you to use critical thinking to solve complex problems and plan for the future. These skills are essential to accomplish business objectives, overcome obstacles, and address challenges—particularly if they’re projected to take weeks, months, or even years to achieve.” (2)
In Closing, Psychologist Daniel Goleman says, “Directing attention toward where it needs to go is a primal task of leadership. Talent here lies in the ability to shift attention to the right place at the right time, sensing trends and emerging realities and seizing opportunities.” (3)
End Notes
(1) As A Man Thinketh – James Allen
(2) Tim Stobierski, contributing writer Harvard Business School Online. https://rb.gy/j2d19
(3) “Focus” by Daniel Goleman Kindle Edition pg. 209 Harper Books
*** This article was authored by John Picarello, Chief Leadership Officer at Lions Pride Leadership Co. ***