Intention
The Surprising Psychology of High Performers
1. Edition February 2024
288 Pages, Hardcover
General Reading
Further versions
A science-backed recipe for creating engagement, fulfillment, and achievement
We're stuck. Stuck to the couch. Stuck scrolling. Stuck at work. Stuck in worn-out paths of habitual action. Stuck in patterns and echo chambers of thought. Stuck in carefully curated lives where we've traded our agency for endless comforts that wrap us in existential ennui.
As our eyes fixate on a constant parade of images meant to engage us, we notice something in the periphery. We see folks who are just like us, except they are actually, deeply happy and fulfilled. They seem to go through life with ease and grace, overcoming obstacles and making amazing things happen for themselves.
Peering closer, we see that these aren't gods or superhumans. They're just people who have chosen to not be stuck and decided to become the main characters in their own lives. Their success (as they define it!) is not a birthright bestowed upon a lucky few, but the result of lives lived with intention. And that's what this book is about -- a practical guide on infusing purpose into life in a deliberate and evidence-based way.
Through a combination of inspiring stories about unlikely high performers and evidence from the bleeding edge of behavioral science, we present you with a toolkit for learning intention -- not as a fluffy concept, but as five very trainable skills.
Get your copy of Intention today and live your potential.
Chapter 1 Introduction 3
Chapter 2 A Languishing World 9
Chapter 3 What Is Intention? 15
Chapter 4 Becoming Main Characters 21
Chapter 5 Intention Is Trainable 29
Part II Willpower 35
Chapter 6 The Surprising Impact of Willpower Attitude 37
Chapter 7 High Performers Have Nonlimited Willpower 45
Chapter 8 Physical Ingredients to Willpower 53
Chapter 9 How to Train the Experience of Willpower 63
Chapter 10 Willpower as a Team Sport 73
Part III Curiosity 79
Chapter 11 High Performers Are Curious 81
Chapter 12 Don't Stop (Re)believing 89
Chapter 13 How to Change Your Mind 95
Chapter 14 Believing Together 101
Part IV Integrity 111
Chapter 15 Living Our Values 113
Chapter 16 How to Uncover Your Values 121
Chapter 17 When Values Conflict 131
Chapter 18 Know Thy Team 141
Part V Attention 151
Chapter 19 High Performers Are Focused on the Right Things 153
Chapter 20 Directing the Spotlight 159
Chapter 21 Spotlights at Work 165
Chapter 22 Intentional Wandering 171
Chapter 23 Not All Flow Is Created Equal 177
Chapter 24 Focusing Teams 185
Part VI Habits 191
Chapter 25 The Roots of High Performance 193
Chapter 26 Taking Control of Unconscious Actions 197
Chapter 27 Finding the Power Within 207
Chapter 28 The Importance of Workplace Rituals 219
Part VII Closing 225
Chapter 29 Intention in Our Relationships 227
Chapter 30 The Garden of Intention 237
Notes 243
Index 267
--TONY ROBBINS, #1 New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and philanthropist
"INTENTION is a true gem that delves into the psychology behind high achievers while offering practical applications for those seeking success--despite feeling stuck or unmotivated. The brilliance of this book lies in its ability to simplify complex concepts, making them accessible to everyone. With a keen focus on the research surrounding successful individuals, the authors provide an invaluable guide for anyone striving to enhance their lives, achieve their goals, and unleash their full potential. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking growth and excellence in their personal and professional journey."
--DR. MARSHALL GOLDSMITH, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won't Get You There
"INTENTION decodes the art of personal growth in a distracted world, showing us the key to a richer life."
--NIR EYAL, bestselling author of Indistractable and Hooked
"If you're looking for a better way to be human, to get the most of your experience of being alive, look no further than this book. It's a treasure trove of insight."
--JEFF GOINS, bestselling author of The Art of Work
SEKOUL THEODOR KRASTEV is a Co-Founder at The Decision Lab. Previously at Google and the Boston Consulting Group, his work in decision science has been featured in top peer-reviewed journals, conferences around the world, and in outlets such as The Huffington Post and The New York Times.
DAN PILAT is a Co-Founder at The Decision Lab, an applied behavioural science firm helping large organizations unlock social impact. Previously at The World Bank, Dan's work on decision-making has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and NBC.
