It’s not about creating content; it’s about creating with intent.
Intention over Attention.
Let’s pause and ask ourselves:
Why are we leaving a comment? How do we think the person on the other side is going to feel? Are we trying to raise them up, or push them down?
Why are we writing a blog post? Are we trying to start positioning ourselves in a new way; a way that is more aligned with our values?
Why are we tweeting? Why are we doing it while at dinner with our family?
Why are we sending an email to criticize a teams’ performance. Do we think that will make them perform better next time?
Why are we speaking up in meetings; is it just so no one forgets we are there, or to maintain ‘control,’ or do we really have something to add that hasn’t already been said?
Why are we sending a nasty email? Even if we received one from ‘them’ first; what do we really want to happen if we send it?
Why are we yelling at customer service? What do we expect to gain? Do we care about how that will affect the rest of their day?
Why are we putting content into the world? What do we think the chain reaction will be? Do we care? I know we do, so it’s worth a pause, maybe just a minute to reflect…
If we don’t know our intent, maybe we should pause on the content for a minute.
I think we could all spend a bit more time thinking about the intent behind what we put into the world. This isn’t just about comments on YouTube, or tweets, or online rants, but also how you talk to; and act towards everyone you encounter; online and offline.
Being a bit more intentional is a win-win situation. People on the receiving end of ‘content’ that has been truly considered, will feel that thoughtfulness.
And for the person putting the content out there; that little exercise of being intentional can have a huge impact on our lives. It seems like such small act, but it’s actually a huge thing that can really improve our lives. I know that sounds like a huge ‘over-statement’ but it’s always small things that add up to have a big impact; ‘Small & Epic’ is how I like to refer to it.
Asking ourselves about our intent, the why behind what we do and say, starts to connect us to what we really care about. It starts to put us back in control of our own lives. We may not have control over everything, but we always have the ability to decide what we intend to get out of, or give, in every situation.
This intentional pause helps us be more mindful and present, and also helps us have compassion and empathy for others.
Everyone has a ‘story,’ and there is no way we can fully understand ‘theirs,’ it’s hard enough understanding our own, so we should give each other the benefit of the doubt. If the intent behind your content isn’t positive or productive, maybe consider another way to say it.
