What Are You Aiming At?
- Paul Weinfield
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
Back in the 1980s, there was a t-shirt that said, “Jesus is coming. Everybody look busy.” It’s a good encapsulation of the American work ethic: if other people see how hard you’re grinding, you win.
Nowadays, of course, we’ve swung to the opposite extreme. Burnout is the new status symbol. Collapse is the new cool. I’ve even heard people say that taking more naps is the best way to bring down capitalism. But the truth is: if we’re going to change the mess we’re in, we need more effort, not less.
When the Buddha spoke about effort, he primarily meant effort to be present. That’s a different kind of effort than most of us have been taught. First of all, it’s an effort no one else can see or applaud. It’s also an effort that doesn’t come from willpower, but from a willingness to look honestly at our experience, which often doesn’t match our stories.
And yet, effort to be present is what leads to true happiness and also helps those around you. Because all that we are starts in the present moment, with our intentions. The way we think, breathe, and talk to ourselves conditions how we feel and what we believe is possible in life. If we miss that part, we miss everything else.
Intention has nothing to do with the New Age gibberish that says if you write “I am rich” fifty times a bag of money will fall on your head. Intention is quite simply the part of an action that aims at something. Whatever you think, speak, or do aims at bringing something about. Too often, we take action without any idea what we’re aiming at.
It’s like an archer on a hill, drawing back a bow. Other people can’t see his aim. If the archer is inexperienced, he might not see his aim either. But if you practice your aim every day, asking yourself, “Why am I thinking this? Why am I speaking right now? Is this truly in my best interest?” your aim will improve.
Double down on that kind of effort. As for how people see you — that’s their business, not yours.
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