Drift is defined as the continuous slow movement from one place to another. One practical example is floating near the shoreline in the Gulf. I love to float out in the water and will routinely look up after 15-20 minutes and find myself well away from the point on shore that I entered the water. I didn’t notice the movement because it was subtle, but the continuous movement took me well down the shoreline.
Life can be like that too. We make seemingly insignificant choices, compromise on a few commitments, justify a few negative behaviors, and neglect investing in a few positive habits to wake up one day in a place we never envisioned. We see a person in the mirror that we don’t like, don’t know, and don’t want to be if we were honest. The sad thing is, we don’t even know how we got to that point.
It all happened very subtly. We drifted into a lifestyle that we never intended. It started with a single decision and that choice led to another compromise. Over time, we neglected investing in good habits and developed bad habits. Those habits transformed our lifestyle and ultimately led us to a different place. We drifted. We never intended to neglect that relationship, to conduct business in that manner, to create those health issues, to become dependent on that item, or to be that type of person. It was that slow continuous movement over time that led us down a path that we never envisioned.
Drifting is not a positive action in life. I have never seen anyone drift into a meaningful life. A meaningful, fulfilling life is likely tied to intentionality. The purposeful pursuit of developing positive habits, a desirable lifestyle, and a clear identity is the contrast to drifting.
One area that I have intentionally focused on is fitness. This past Memorial Day, I joined the members of Imperium Weightlifting and Fitness for the annual Murph workout challenge. These folks were not only kind enough to allow me to join them in the event but were so inspiring to help me push through a challenging workout and achieve my goal. These people showed up early on a Memorial Day holiday to not only honor those who sacrificed for our country but also engaged in something hard. They were the perfect example of intentionality.
As you consider your personal life, your business, or any organization that you may belong to in the community, consider the following questions to evaluate your intentionality level to combat the dangers of drift:
- Do you have a clear identity for yourself, your business, your team, or your organization? Can you clarify what you value, believe, and want to pursue? Is it evidenced by where you are investing your time, money, and thoughts?
- Do you find purpose in your daily life? Have you clearly defined what a “winning day” is for you? Are those “wins” focused on inputs (habits) or accomplishments (results)?
- Are the people in your life/organization helping you move toward who you want to become or away from that pursuit? Do you need to make some changes?
Who you are becoming is more important than what you are achieving. Achievements come and go. Achievements are impacted by many variables, and some are outside our control. Who we are becoming is an intentional focus that will lead to meaningful and fulfilling days. Stacking days on top of one another leads to a meaningful and fulfilling life, impactful organization, and difference making team.
Are you drifting? If so, turn things around with some intentional focus!
