I had an unfortunate run in with a knife the other day. An incident with a kitchen knife that resulted in 2 cut fingers. Yes, there was blood and yes, the blood was mine.
As I was attempting to cut a spaghetti squash in half, the knife became stuck. This particular squash had a very thick skin and was not at all cooperative. The knife I was using was big and sharp so I was very much aware of the need for control and caution and therefore taking things slowly.
When I'm faced with a problem or challenge I am usually determined to figure out a solution. So, I stepped back to assess the situation. I was very cognizant of the need to take my time with the knife, using caution and control. Taking no chances as there was the potential for a very bad outcome, I proceeded carefully.
After seeing that the knife wasn't budging I added a second smaller knife into the equation. I was able to insert the second knife at the opposite end providing me with 2 handles to grasp, thus adding more leverage and control. A solution seemed to be at hand. I stepped back one final time after inserting the second knife and when ready, grasped both knife handles. Imagine all that caution just to have it go terribly wrong. The underside of my 2 middle fingers sliced open... just like that!
Interesting fact: I don't mind blood so much. It's the open wound itself that causes me distress. I may have need stitches, but wasn't going to look close enough so just applied pressure and later some steri-strips. I did get that squash split and learned a valuable lesson in the process.
What went wrong? Well, as I went to grasp the handle of the bigger knife, I actually grabbed closer to the blade, immediately cutting into the fingers. My intention had gone awry and without realizing I was already thinking about prying the two halves apart and not paying attention. Making a stupid mistake. My intention had been spot on up to that point. Then poof!! Instead of being in the moment I had jumped ahead to the finish line that was so, so close.
Successful completion of a goal is very much tied to my intention and the ability to make adjustments while in the moment. Where am I, what am I doing, and how am I going to get there are all questions that I need to be asking myself consistently.
Intention requires awareness, presence, fluidity, processing quickly or taking time to step back and assess a situation and remaining open to possibilities and adaptations.
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