Intensely

For a bigger caffeine hit, you could drink two cups of coffee. Or make up one with a double shot (‘lungo‘) of espresso.

To get more done, you could work twice as long at the office. Or focus harder, be more efficient and productive.

There are always two ways… to achieve any end.

The first involves ‘longer’, ‘harder’, ‘twice/thrice/X-times as much’.

The second is smarter. It just takes more intensity.

That doesn’t make it any easier.

Intensity can be demanding.

But also more fulfilling.

A relationship is richer when both sides feel intensely about it. Commit to making it meaningful. Devote time, attention and energy into it.

An interaction is more satisfying when all parties engage intensely. Pay attention to what’s going on. Contribute willingly, eagerly, energetically.

A project succeeds wildly when all participants are working intensely to play their roles. Enthusiastic with their support. Proactive in their initiative.

Intensity, like passion, recruits others.

Attracts them like gravity.

Sucks them into its vortex.

Excites them to be intense, too.

Empowers them to give their best.

An upward spiral swirls into motion. And lifts everyone up – to a higher dimension of existence.

One where we are all living intensely.

It seldom matters how long we are around…

Only how intensely we live.

How many lives we touch; move; inspire; enable; improve.

How many hearts we stir; embolden; heal; soothe.

How many minds we capture; motivate; lift.

How many values we practice; teach.

How many ideas we spread.

By being ourselves more intensely, all of this just happens.

It’s automatic.

Just as you can’t help how your heart trips along faster… or your fingers thrum with nervous energy… or your eyes widen in excitement… after you’ve guzzled down a ‘Red Eye‘ – or two.

Hunter Thompson says:

“Life shouldn’t be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

😯

On a scale of 1 to 10, most of us are a solid 5 or 6 – in our day to day intensity.

What would happen if you were to ramp it up?

To a 7 or 8.

Or a 9.

Maybe even a… ten!

🤔

P.S. – What’s a ‘Red Eye‘?

A mix of coffee – with even more coffee.

Drip coffee mixed with an espresso shot – or a double! 😳

Yep, an intense coffee.