Time and Attention 161: The Intention Stack
51 snips
Dec 11, 2025 Dive into the intriguing concept of the Intention Stack, a framework blending monk teachings with scientific research. Discover how intentions stem from biology and experiences of pleasure or pain. Chris Bailey and Ardyn Nordstrom discuss aligning your goals with personal values and the importance of planning to enhance task execution. Uncover methods for reframing tasks to make them more meaningful. This conversation offers fresh insights on productivity and intentional living, encouraging a deeper connection to your daily actions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Intentions Layered By Time
- The Intention Stack organizes intentions by timeline: values, priorities, goals, plans, present intentions.
- Aligning actions across these layers creates meaning and better productivity.
Monk Explains Sources Of Intention
- Chris asked a monk where intention comes from and got answers rooted in biology and experience.
- The monk described intentions from needing a bathroom to avoiding pain and seeking pleasure.
Habits Are Default Intentions
- Many intentions run automatically as habits—these are default intentions rooted in biology and learning.
- Deliberate intentions must stack on top of defaults to change behavior intentionally.
