The Power of Intentional Thinking and How It Can Change Your Life: What Do You Focus On?

September 15, 2025

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What am I really focusing on?

Not just what’s on your to-do list or calendar, but where your energy, attention, and mindset are truly directed?

If you're like most people, the answer might be unsettling. Because the reality is, many people spend more time thinking about what they don’t want than what they do. They dwell on problems, fear failure, complain about their circumstances, and stay stuck in a cycle of lack.

But here’s the truth: what you focus on expands. Your thoughts shape your perspective, your perspective shapes your decisions, and your decisions shape your life.

So… what are you choosing to focus on?

Why Most People Focus on the Wrong Things We live in a world that thrives on distraction and fear. Social media, the news, conversations with colleagues, they’re often centred around what’s wrong, what’s missing, or what might go wrong.

It's no wonder so many of us end up spending our time and energy focused on lack, limitation, or frustration. We obsess over not having enough time, not being good enough, or not knowing where to start.

But here’s the catch, when you constantly focus on what you don’t want, your mind starts creating more of it. You become anxious, reactive, and disconnected from the very things that would move you forward.

On the flip side, the most successful and fulfilled people in life focus differently.

They don't ignore problems, but they don’t dwell on them either. They focus on what they want, and they act on it with purpose.

They align their energy with their goals, their values, and their vision and that clarity gives them momentum.

A Personal Shift That Changed Everything I’ve seen this play out in my own life.

There was a time when I felt stuck, pulled in multiple directions, not entirely sure what I was working toward. I was busy, but not necessarily fulfilled. And then I made one crucial shift:

I started focusing on what I wanted - not what I feared.

Every time I directed my thoughts toward the outcome I desired, I began to think differently. I made better choices. I found more meaningful opportunities. I started to trust myself more. And slowly, but surely, my life began to reflect those shifts.

That clarity allowed me to take aligned action, not just for myself, but for my family, my clients, and my future.

Your Focus Shapes Your Reality You have more power than you think. The way you view the world, the stories you tell yourself, the intentions you hold, the things you pay attention to creates your experience of life.

When you focus on what you want, you:

Feel more in control Make better decisions Attract more meaningful opportunities Align with people who share your values Take action from a place of confidence, not fear

But when you focus on what you don’t want, the opposite happens. You second-guess, procrastinate, doubt yourself, and end up feeling stuck.

So ask yourself: Where is my focus right now?

And is it taking me closer to the life I want or further away?

Four Ways to Refocus and Take Control Here are four practical ways you can redirect your focus and start living more intentionally, starting today:

1. Listen to Yourself When you’re feeling scattered or lost, slow down and check in. Ask yourself:

What do I really want? Why do I want it? What small step can I take today to move closer to it?

The answers are inside you, but you need to create the space to hear them.

2. Be Mindful of Your Words and Actions The language you use both with others and yourself is powerful. Are your words building you up or tearing you down? Are your actions aligned with your values?

When you speak and act from a place of intention, not only do you shift your mindset, but you also uplift those around you and that positivity comes full circle.

3. Stay in the Present Moment Dwelling on the past won’t change it. Worrying about the future won’t make it any more certain. All you truly have is now and what you choose to do with it.

By focusing on the present and taking action toward the future you want, you move with purpose instead of fear.

4. Help Others One of the most effective ways to reconnect with what matters is to serve others. Helping someone else shifts your perspective and brings you back to your core values, gratitude, compassion, purpose.

And as you help others move forward, you often find clarity in your own path.

Focus on the Good and the Good Will Grow Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to stay focused on what you want. Life throws distractions, doubts, and detours your way.

But it’s in those moments that your focus matters most.

Because when you’re committed to your vision, when you believe in your ability to achieve the life you desire, you find strength in places you didn’t know existed.

You start making decisions that align with your purpose. You begin to attract people, resources, and opportunities that support your growth. And most importantly, you start to believe in yourself even when it’s hard.

Final Thoughts: You Create Your Life With Your Focus You have the power to shape your reality, not by chance, but by choice.

The question is:

Are you focusing on problems or solutions? Fear or possibility? Obstacles or outcomes?

Because your life will always move in the direction of your dominant thoughts.

So today, take a moment to pause and ask yourself:

“What do I focus on and is it taking me where I want to go?”

If the answer is no, now is the perfect time to change it.