Return to Blog

Aligning Emotion and Intention with the 8 Gears of Focus

When we cannot act, we might well wonder what to do with the “I don’t wanna” feelings…

The core of the issue is deeper than simple “just” starting. Otherwise, it would reliably work.

If we define motivation as the alignment of emotions with intention, we might then consider where and how that alignment occurs. The 8 gears of focus offers an ascending structure for that alignment. Briefly listed they are:

  • Being
  • Approach
  • Consider
  • Visit
  • Begin
  • Complete
  • Schedule
  • Perform

One end supports nurturing and caring. It is the foundation. At the other is an action of skill, a knowledge of depth, a presentation and connection to an audience of world or universe.

Each gear embedded within the next offers a framework to help understand the flow of emotion into action. When there is trouble in engaging, when we feel “I don’t wanna”, we can examine where in this hierarchy is the injury or kink in the line.

Of note, we often abuse ourselves with the higher gears. For example, “Just do the work already!”

When we return to the more foundational areas of frustration, anger, worry, fear, and more, we are in a better place to engage the deeper, more natural, meaningful flows into our world, work, and play.

For a deeper dive, check out the episode here.

  • Kourosh

PS. If you’re enjoying the podcast, kindly leave a review! It will help other wandering minds find it, too.

Divider

Recent Articles

AI vs Agency

Feb 28, 2026

I’ve got a problem. I don’t know how this works. I don’t know how to write this. I don’t know the best order. ...

Bottom card separator

On Decision, Indecision

Feb 13, 2026

Check out the podcast version of today's newsletter at Rhythms of Focus (Apple Podcasts, Spotify). Kourosh “Sh...

Bottom card separator
Return to Blog

Publications

Over the years, I’ve written five main works on productivity. Sign up for the Weekly Wind Down newsletter to get free previews.

Kourosh Dini courses Kourosh Dini books
See all the publications