Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial Potential: The Paradox of Intentions

Imagine a life where work and play seamlessly blend into one another, where every day feels like a step closer to your dreams, and where happiness is not just a destination but a constant companion on your journey. This is the state that every entrepreneur aspires to achieve, and it is within your reach if you understand the paradox of intentions.

In her book Quantum Success, Sandra Taylor defines the paradox of intentions as the delicate balance between having goals for the future and finding happiness in the present moment. Many of us fall into the trap of tying our happiness to our goals, believing that we will only be truly happy once we achieve them. However, this mindset often leads to a never-ending cycle of striving for more, never feeling satisfied with what we have accomplished.

The 4 States of Mind

To understand the paradox of intentions, visualize a graph with two axes: one representing your vision for the future and the other representing your happiness in the present moment. This graph reveals four possible states:

• Neither Vision nor Happiness: This is a dangerous state to be in, as it can lead to feelings of failure and misery. If you find yourself in this state, seek help and find ways to create a vision for your future that brings you joy.
• Vision without Happiness: Many busy career people fall into this category, constantly striving for success but never truly feeling happy or fulfilled. This state can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout, slowing down your progress towards your goals.
• Happiness without Vision: While it may seem blissful to live in the moment without worrying about the future, this state is actually a trap. Without a vision for your future, you are not fulfilling your true potential and may find yourself stuck in a cycle of complacency.
• Bending Reality: The ideal state for entrepreneurs is one where they have bold visions for the future but are also happy and content in the present moment. This state, known as "bending reality," creates a sense of growth and possibility, where your craziest dreams seem within reach.

Let the Vision for The Future and Happiness in The Now bring you to the state of existence where magic happens!

Find where you are?

To determine which state you are in, take a moment to reflect on your current mindset. Are you constantly chasing after goals without taking the time to appreciate the journey? Or are you so focused on the present moment that you have lost sight of your long-term vision? By finding the right balance between vision and happiness, you can unlock your full potential as an entrepreneur and create a life that is truly fulfilling.

Exercise: Take a few minutes to journal about your current state. Are you more focused on your vision for the future or on finding happiness in the present moment? How can you find a balance between the two to create a life that is both fulfilling and successful?