--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Where you allow your attention to go…" description: "\"Where you allow your attention to go ultimately says more about you as a human being than anything that you put in your mission statement.\" — Merlin Mann" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6bc/merlin-mann-13792_attention_where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ult_348989.jpg" --- # Where you allow your attention to go ultimately says more… ![“Where you allow your attention to go ultimately says more about you as a human being than anything that you put in your mission statement.” quote by Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6bc/merlin-mann-13792_attention_where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ult_348989.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6bc/merlin-mann-13792_attention_where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ult_348989.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6bc/merlin-mann-13792_attention_where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ult_348989.jpg) > “Where you allow your attention to go ultimately says more about you as a human being than anything that you put in your mission statement.” [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Where you direct your attention reveals your true values more than any written statement. **In simple terms:** Attention shows your real priorities. Key Takeaway Align attention with your values. Themes attention values authenticity Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - work focus - personal relationships - creative pursuits Key Concepts mindfulness self-awareness Questions to Reflect On - What does your attention spend most time on? - How can you protect your focus? A Different Perspective Attention can be hijacked by external noise. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Attention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attention/) [Focus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/focus/) [Goals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goals/) [Human beings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-beings/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Mission statement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mission-statement/) [Missions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/missions/) ## Related quotes > [It's hard to absorb and to allow all that attention and accolades for 'Rent' because the rest of the country doesn't know who we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/idina-menzel/it-s-hard-to-absorb-and-to-allow-all-that-attention-and-accolades-for/) [Idina Menzel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idina-menzel/) > [“Call it the Human Mission-to be all and do all God sent us here to do. And notice-the mission to be fruitful and conquer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stasi-eldredge/call-it-the-human-mission-to-be-all-and-do-all-god-sent-us-here-to-do/) [Stasi Eldredge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stasi-eldredge/) > [A personal mission statement becomes the DNA for every other decision we make.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/a-personal-mission-statement-becomes-the-dna-for-every-other-decision/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [So they actually put it into their mission statement, and they start changing things as a result. They may change how worship works. They…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-emerson/so-they-actually-put-it-into-their-mission-statement-and-they-start/) [Michael Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-emerson/) > [Most corporate mission statements are worthless. They consist largely of pious platitudes such as: "We will hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/russell-l-ackoff/most-corporate-mission-statements-are-worthless-they-consist-largely/) [Russell L. Ackoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/russell-l-ackoff/) > [The most effective way I know to begin with the end in mind is to develop a personal mission statement or philosophy or creed.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-most-effective-way-i-know-to-begin-with-the-end-in-mind-is-to/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Most people believe that great leaders are distinguished by their ability to give compelling answers. This profound book shatters that assumption, showing that the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-grant/most-people-believe-that-great-leaders-are-distinguished-by-their/) [Adam Grant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-grant/) > [That's in the mission statement when you're part of 'Trek.' It's our job to try to be bold and push forward. You have to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justin-lin/that-s-in-the-mission-statement-when-you-re-part-of-trek-it-s-our-job/) [Justin Lin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/justin-lin/) > [I never start anything with a really overt, political, or even exactly artistic mission statement.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lena-dunham/i-never-start-anything-with-a-really-overt-political-or-even-exactly/) [Lena Dunham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lena-dunham/) > [Every cabinet minister gets a mission statement from the Prime Minister.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-mulroney/every-cabinet-minister-gets-a-mission-statement-from-the-prime/) [Brian Mulroney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-mulroney/) > [“Without a vision and a mission, your company can be termed as a ‘Bull’ set free in the busy streets of the corporate world”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henrietta-newton-martin-author-industrial-relations-today-2/without-a-vision-and-a-mission-your-company-can-be-termed-as-a-bull/) Henrietta Newton Martin Author Industrial Relations Today > [The mission statement was ordered, and it sent the 800th MP Brigade, effective the first of July, up to Baghdad. I joined my brigade…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janis-karpinski/the-mission-statement-was-ordered-and-it-sent-the-800th-mp-brigade/) [Janis Karpinski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janis-karpinski/) > [Well, the mission statement of Heart of David is that we're a ministry of evangelism and encouragement. Evangelism meaning that I evangelize I travel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-dibiase-sr/well-the-mission-statement-of-heart-of-david-is-that-we-re-a-ministry/) [Ted DiBiase Sr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-dibiase-sr/) > [“A visionary company is one which is seen growing in a consistent pattern by being goal oriented driven by a vision and a mission”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henrietta-newton-martin-author-industrial-relations-today/a-visionary-company-is-one-which-is-seen-growing-in-a-consistent/) Henrietta Newton Martin- Author Industrial Relations Today > [Some have said I focus on marginalized communities, but it's not like that was my mission statement. I've just told stories that interest me,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sean-baker/some-have-said-i-focus-on-marginalized-communities-but-it-s-not-like/) [Sean Baker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sean-baker/) ## More by Merlin Mann > [“Getting organized just means you’ve glued handles onto the various stuff in your life — you’ll still need to pick it up and carry…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/getting-organized-just-means-you-ve-glued-handles-onto-the-various/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [Make the time to be scared of more interesting things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/make-the-time-to-be-scared-of-more-interesting-things/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [Personally, it's changed my game - it's how I think now. Can't imagine writing more than a paragraph in anything that doesn't do MMD.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/personally-it-s-changed-my-game-it-s-how-i-think-now-can-t-imagine/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [Everything takes more time than you thought, everything costs more money than you thought, and almost everything turns out not quite as cool as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/everything-takes-more-time-than-you-thought-everything-costs-more/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [People with tiny glasses and costly shoes can always find a couple of hours to explain how you did it all wrong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/people-with-tiny-glasses-and-costly-shoes-can-always-find-a-couple-of/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [Feeling creative produces great work in approximately the same way that "feeling like a doctor" makes you a gifted thoracic surgeon.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/feeling-creative-produces-great-work-in-approximately-the-same-way/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [Creative work only seems like a magic trick to people who don't understand that it's ultimately still work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/creative-work-only-seems-like-a-magic-trick-to-people-who-don-t/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [Creative work, summarized: In the time you set aside each day to work your ass off, ignore anything that makes you consider stopping.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/creative-work-summarized-in-the-time-you-set-aside-each-day-to-work/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [If you need to appear on an internet list to know whether you're someone's friend, you may have problems a computer can't solve.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/if-you-need-to-appear-on-an-internet-list-to-know-whether-you-re/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [You're gonna die. You're gonna die. And nobody's gonna care which version of the iPhone you used to make something on Twitter, or to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/you-re-gonna-die-you-re-gonna-die-and-nobody-s-gonna-care-which/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [“Put plainer, my sense is that western culture would be a damn sight poorer today if John Lennon had been forced to carry a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/put-plainer-my-sense-is-that-western-culture-would-be-a-damn-sight/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [I think all of the best nonfiction that has ever been made comes from the result of someone who can't stop thinking about a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/i-think-all-of-the-best-nonfiction-that-has-ever-been-made-comes-from/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [Email is such a funny thing. People hand you these single little messages that are no heavier than a river pebble. But it doesn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/email-is-such-a-funny-thing-people-hand-you-these-single-little/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [A priority is observed, not manufactured or assigned. Otherwise, it's necessarily not a priority.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/a-priority-is-observed-not-manufactured-or-assigned-otherwise-it-s/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) > [A lot of the best work I've ever done started out as something completely different because I gave myself permission to have space around…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/a-lot-of-the-best-work-i-ve-ever-done-started-out-as-something/) [Merlin Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) [Explore all 49 Merlin Mann quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/) ## More Attention quotes > [It appears to me that one great cause of our difference in opinion on subjects which we often discuss is that you have always…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-ricardo/it-appears-to-me-that-one-great-cause-of-our-difference-in-opinion-on/) [David Ricardo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-ricardo/) > [People pay far too much attention to the television and they're quite literal in some ways. At the beginning, when I was playing very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ardal-o-hanlon/people-pay-far-too-much-attention-to-the-television-and-they-re-quite/) [Ardal O'Hanlon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ardal-o-hanlon/) > [Television, radio, social media. The 24/7 news cycle plows forward mercilessly on our desks, in our cars and in our pockets. Thousands and thousands…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-prince/television-radio-social-media-the-24-7-news-cycle-plows-forward/) [Joseph Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-prince/) > [By making conscious choices in our behavior and where we focus our attention, we can transform our experience of our body, decrease our biological…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deepak-chopra/by-making-conscious-choices-in-our-behavior-and-where-we-focus-our/) [Deepak Chopra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deepak-chopra/) > [Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. They are but improved means to an unimproved end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/our-inventions-are-wont-to-be-pretty-toys-which-distract-our/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [What people don't normally know about us is the hustle is very real, and it's sorely driven a lot by how we consider ourselves.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lzzy-hale/what-people-don-t-normally-know-about-us-is-the-hustle-is-very-real/) [Lzzy Hale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lzzy-hale/) > [For me, the term "psychotherapy" is limiting. It implies that we work with mind and emotions, but excludes the body and pays scant attention…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jed-diamond/for-me-the-term-psychotherapy-is-limiting-it-implies-that-we-work/) [Jed Diamond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jed-diamond/) > [When you approach something to photograph it, first be still with yourself until the object of your attention affirms your presence. Then don't leave…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/minor-white/when-you-approach-something-to-photograph-it-first-be-still-with/) [Minor White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/minor-white/) > [I'm writing about real things. Real people. Real characters. You have to believe what I write about is true or you wouldn't pay any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-reed/i-m-writing-about-real-things-real-people-real-characters-you-have-to/) [Lou Reed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-reed/) > [ I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with \[my wife\] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahershala-ali/i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with-my-wife-in-december-24-1999/) [Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahershala-ali/) > [The Harvard Business Review recently had an article called 'The Human Moment,' about how to make real contact with a person at work: ...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-goleman/the-harvard-business-review-recently-had-an-article-called-the-human/) [Daniel Goleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-goleman/) > [Let us thank God heartily as often as we pray that we have His Spirit in us to teach us to pray. Thanksgiving will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-murray/let-us-thank-god-heartily-as-often-as-we-pray-that-we-have-his-spirit/) [Andy Murray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-murray/) > [Enlightened people live in very charged states of attention, with a tremendous power circuiting through them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/enlightened-people-live-in-very-charged-states-of-attention-with-a/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [We must have a welfare system that we can afford, which will mean giving greater attention to directing the welfare program toward its primary…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-portillo/we-must-have-a-welfare-system-that-we-can-afford-which-will-mean/) [Michael Portillo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-portillo/) > [The director's job should give you a sense of music without drawing attention to itself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/taylor-hackford/the-director-s-job-should-give-you-a-sense-of-music-without-drawing/) [Taylor Hackford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/taylor-hackford/) [Browse all 10,153 Attention quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attention/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Where you allow your attention to go ultimately says more about you as a human being than anything that you put in your mission statement.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Merlin Mann" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ultimately-says-more-about-you/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Attention" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ultimately-says-more-about-you/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6bc/merlin-mann-13792_attention_where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ult_348989.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6bc/merlin-mann-13792_attention_where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ult_348989.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6bc/merlin-mann-13792_attention_where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ult_348989.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Where you allow your attention to go ultimately says more about you as a human being than anything that you…” — Merlin Mann", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Merlin Mann", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/merlin-mann/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Where you allow your attention to...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ultimately-says-more-about-you/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/merlin-mann/where-you-allow-your-attention-to-go-ultimately-says-more-about-you/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```