I write a lot about intention in this space. I realized recently that another way to think about intention is attention.
Where am I placing my attention? Is my attention on myself or on the audience? Am I concerned about my own experience or theirs?
When my default intention is “to get this over with” or “to survive the experience,” my attention is on the physical sensations of anxiety. I think about my sweaty palms, my racing heart, my shallow breathing. My attention is turned inward, focused entirely on myself.
On the other hand, when I have a deliberate and productive intention, perhaps “to welcome” or “to share,” my attention is on the audience. My heart rate might be elevated, but I’m seeking out the expressions on the audience’s faces. I may be feeling a lot of adrenaline, but I’m looking at their body language. I’m paying attention to their experience instead on my own.
When the stakes are high, ask yourself: where am I putting my attention?
