Since I want to stop procrastinating, I intend to develop healthy new habits. I want to, intend to. Is that what I am doing?
“Live intentionally” is a phrase we hear these days. Do things on purpose. Do what you mean to do. Don’t just drift.
I intend to visit Mrs. Smith. I intend to write a song. So am I living intentionally? No, not unless I actually DO what I INTEND to do.
For clarification, please check out Pastor Andy Stanley’s “Principle of the Path” on You Tube. He makes it clear that DIRECTION, not intention, determines destination.
In other words, not what I intend to do, but what I DO determines where I will end up.
It’s important to have intention so we know where to aim. But intention is not enough. I have to move on the road going in that direction.
Applying Pastor Stanley’s point, let’s say my intended destination this week is a completed set of lesson plans. If I intend to write lesson plans each afternoon and I do it, I move on the path toward that destination. If I intend to write lesson plans each afternoon but I choose to catch up on email, I am off the path and will not arrive at that destination. No amount of intention will get me there if I write emails instead. I will not arrive at the destination of completed lesson plans unless I write lesson plans.
I intend to strengthen my bones by exercising. I intend that when I watch TV or read. However, if I do not walk or go to the gym by habit I will not reach the destination of stronger bones. I intend to improve my health by eating healthy. I intend that when I eat cheesecake or pass up a salad. If I do not make healthy choices that keep me on the path toward healthy, I will not reach that destination.
In what direction am I actually traveling? Am I really on the road that leads where I want to be? Or am I on the road to weaker bones? Am I on the road to additional weight? What I’m doing is the road I’m on.
Our habits often determine the road we travel on – our direction and the destination we will reach.
Habits of procrastination divert us from our intentions.
What destination will you reach going in the direction you’re traveling now?
Leave a Reply