Attention Quote by Jerry I. Porras
“The thing that matters is meaning! It drives everything. Builders align their attention to the things that matter to them, and they know a lot about that stuff.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Built to Last: Successful Hab of Visionary Companies, Jim Collins & Jerry I. Porras, 1994
Meaning is the central motivator that guides actions; when people focus on what they deem meaningful, they become highly knowledgeable and effective in that domain.
In simple terms: Meaning drives focus and expertise.
Key Takeaway
Identify and pursue what truly matters to you.
Themes
purpose
focus
expertise
motivation
alignment
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
motivational
strategic
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal projects
- team leadership
- product development
- learning new skills
Key Concepts
psychology of meaning
goal setting
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- What does meaning look like in your current work?
- How can you clarify what truly matters?
A Different Perspective
If meaning is misidentified, effort may be wasted on trivial pursuits.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
