--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I didnt pay attention to times or…" description: "\"I didnt pay attention to times or distance, instead focusing on how it felt just to be in motion, knowing it wasn't about the finish line but how I got..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c5/sarah-dessen-110_distance_i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distan_79483.png" --- # I didnt pay attention to times or distance, instead… ![“I didnt pay attention to times or distance, instead focusing on how it felt just to be in motion, knowing it wasn't about the finish line but how I got there that mattered.” quote by Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c5/sarah-dessen-110_distance_i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distan_79483.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c5/sarah-dessen-110_distance_i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distan_79483.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c5/sarah-dessen-110_distance_i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distan_79483.png) > “I didnt pay attention to times or distance, instead focusing on how it felt just to be in motion, knowing it wasn't about the finish line but how I got there that mattered.” [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote emphasizes valuing the experiential journey over measurable outcomes, urging presence and feeling in the process rather than fixating on endpoints. **In simple terms:** Focus on the experience, not the finish line. Key Takeaway Process matters more than result. Themes mindfulness process orientation intrinsic motivation presence journey vs destination Mood reflective inspired calm Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - creative projects - athletic training - personal growth - travel experiences - learning new skills Key Concepts flow state subjective time perception goal setting Practical Applications - mindfulness coaching - team-building workshops Questions to Reflect On - How does focusing on the journey change your motivation? - What habits help you stay present in long‑term pursuits? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Finish line](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/finish-line/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [A wise person looks at the end results instead of focusing only on his or her immediate circumstances.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-williams/a-wise-person-looks-at-the-end-results-instead-of-focusing-only-on/) [Craig Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-williams/) > [Instead of focusing on how much you can accomplish, focus on how much you can absolutely love what youre doing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-babauta/instead-of-focusing-on-how-much-you-can-accomplish-focus-on-how-much/) [Leo Babauta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-babauta/) > [Focus on what you have, instead of focusing on what's missing, and then I'm sure you'll be happy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raghav-singh/focus-on-what-you-have-instead-of-focusing-on-what-s-missing-and-then/) [Raghav Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raghav-singh/) > [“Now, that’s where you’re wrong. You’re looking for something you don’t see, what you wish you could see, instead of focusing on what you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-clarke/now-that-s-where-you-re-wrong-you-re-looking-for-something-you-don-t/) [M. Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-clarke/) > [What if instead of focusing on what you don't have, you concentrate on what you've got?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-picoult/what-if-instead-of-focusing-on-what-you-don-t-have-you-concentrate-on/) [Jodi Picoult](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-picoult/) > [Weaknesses are to be managed, not changed. Instead of focusing on what was left out, concentrate on what was left in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/senora-roy/weaknesses-are-to-be-managed-not-changed-instead-of-focusing-on-what/) [Senora Roy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/senora-roy/) > [The very act of focusing on our flaws and imperfections pull us away from our true character, and instead of focusing on what we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jreyes/the-very-act-of-focusing-on-our-flaws-and-imperfections-pull-us-away/) JREYES > [Instead of focusing on that circumstances that you cannot change - focus strongly and powerfully on the circumstances that you can.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joy-page/instead-of-focusing-on-that-circumstances-that-you-cannot-change/) [Joy Page](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joy-page/) > [Instead of focusing on the great men of God, I prefer to focus on the Great God of men.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wimber/instead-of-focusing-on-the-great-men-of-god-i-prefer-to-focus-on-the/) [John Wimber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wimber/) > [Instead of focusing so much on what we want in our lives and being hard headed, stuck on our will so much, we should…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/instead-of-focusing-so-much-on-what-we-want-in-our-lives-and-being/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm a goal-oriented person, and instead of focusing on the past, I'd rather focus on the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cm-punk/i-m-a-goal-oriented-person-and-instead-of-focusing-on-the-past-i-d/) [CM Punk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cm-punk/) > [Instead of focusing on the world's problems, give your attention and energy to trust, love, abundance, education and peace. :-)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rhonda-byrne/instead-of-focusing-on-the-world-s-problems-give-your-attention-and/) [Rhonda Byrne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rhonda-byrne/) > [In order to move on with your life you have to stop focusing on the past instead focusing on the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-hudson/in-order-to-move-on-with-your-life-you-have-to-stop-focusing-on-the/) [James Hudson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-hudson/) > [Get into "the state:" Conquer fear by stopping thinking about yourself and instead, focusing 100 percent on how you can best serve your audience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-robbins/get-into-the-state-conquer-fear-by-stopping-thinking-about-yourself/) [Tony Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-robbins/) > [“Instead of focusing on how much you can accomplish, focus on how much you can absolutely love what you’re doing.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-babauta/instead-of-focusing-on-how-much-you-can-accomplish-focus-on-how-much-2/) [Leo Babauta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-babauta/) ## More by Sarah Dessen > [Sometimes a question can hurt more than an answer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/sometimes-a-question-can-hurt-more-than-an-answer/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [“if i were a book i would be so open”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/if-i-were-a-book-i-would-be-so-open/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [Harder to get in than out, like so little else.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/harder-to-get-in-than-out-like-so-little-else/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [“At times, I found myself questioning his very existence, even though I knew I had, in fact, spotted him, with my own eyes.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/at-times-i-found-myself-questioning-his-very-existence-even-though-i/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [You don't have to say it out loud. I already know why you like me.' 'You do, huh?' 'Yep.' He wrapped his arms around…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/you-don-t-have-to-say-it-out-loud-i-already-know-why-you-like-me-you/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [No relationship is perfect, ever. There are always some ways you have to bend, to compromise, to give something up in order to gain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/no-relationship-is-perfect-ever-there-are-always-some-ways-you-have/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [When you had to do something, you had to do it. And eventually, if you were lucky, you did it well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/when-you-had-to-do-something-you-had-to-do-it-and-eventually-if-you/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [the truth about forever is that it is happening right now](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/the-truth-about-forever-is-that-it-is-happening-right-now/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [I jammed my hand in my jacket pocket, bracing myself fo the next hit, and fel something. Something grainy and samll, sticking to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/i-jammed-my-hand-in-my-jacket-pocket-bracing-myself-fo-the-next-hit/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [I had no illusions about love anymore. It came, it went, it left casualties or it didn't. People weren't meant to be together forever,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/i-had-no-illusions-about-love-anymore-it-came-it-went-it-left/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [“But maybe that isn't so bad. You can't love anyone that way more than once in a lifetime. It's too hard and it hurts…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/but-maybe-that-isn-t-so-bad-you-can-t-love-anyone-that-way-more-than/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [This was just one night, one chance to vary and see where it took me. The fireflies were probably already out: maybe it wasn’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/this-was-just-one-night-one-chance-to-vary-and-see-where-it-took-me/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [call it chicken salad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/call-it-chicken-salad/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [“For me, however, it was a mix of the two, this constant push and pull. I loved it here. But I'd been in that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/for-me-however-it-was-a-mix-of-the-two-this-constant-push-and-pull-i/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [I think whenever a writer is really enjoying themselves and liking what they are doing, that shows on the page.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/i-think-whenever-a-writer-is-really-enjoying-themselves-and-liking/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) [Explore all 1,251 Sarah Dessen quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) ## More Distance quotes > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I raised another shot. "That sound you hear is the heads of moral conservatives spontaneously exploding in the distance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rob-thurman/i-raised-another-shot-that-sound-you-hear-is-the-heads-of-moral/) [Rob Thurman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rob-thurman/) > [I think hair gel was invented to make it easier to identify assholes from a distance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/demetri-martin/i-think-hair-gel-was-invented-to-make-it-easier-to-identify-assholes/) [Demetri Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/demetri-martin/) > [Distance sometimes endears friendship, and absence sweeteneth it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-howell/distance-sometimes-endears-friendship-and-absence-sweeteneth-it/) [James Howell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-howell/) > [Prison experience puts distance between me and any person who hasn't been there, done that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patricia-mcconnell/prison-experience-puts-distance-between-me-and-any-person-who-hasn-t/) [Patricia McConnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patricia-mcconnell/) > [At a distance, we cannot conceive of the authority of a despot who knows all his subjects on sight.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stendhal/at-a-distance-we-cannot-conceive-of-the-authority-of-a-despot-who/) [Stendhal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stendhal/) > [When somebody mentions that I did a play with George C. Scott, I'm like, it can't have happened. What was I doing on a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-dano/when-somebody-mentions-that-i-did-a-play-with-george-c-scott-i-m-like/) [Paul Dano](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-dano/) > [She watched the prairies the rivers, the towns slipping past at an untouchable distance below - and she noted that the sense of detachment…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayn-rand/she-watched-the-prairies-the-rivers-the-towns-slipping-past-at-an/) [Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayn-rand/) > [Memories seem to surface in no particular order, with no time attached. Yesterday can seem as distant as last year. My life now consists…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-olsson/memories-seem-to-surface-in-no-particular-order-with-no-time-attached/) [Linda Olsson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-olsson/) > [I've never bought this idea of taking a therapeutic distance. If I see a student or house staff cry, I take great faith in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-verghese/i-ve-never-bought-this-idea-of-taking-a-therapeutic-distance-if-i-see/) [Abraham Verghese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-verghese/) > [Combining the experience of a seasoned university president with the analysis of a respected legal scholar, Derek Bok explores what he concludes are 'signs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-h-t-rhodes/combining-the-experience-of-a-seasoned-university-president-with-the/) Frank H. T. Rhodes > [To be a champion long-distance runner you have to run on the edge of death.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/toshihiko-seko/to-be-a-champion-long-distance-runner-you-have-to-run-on-the-edge-of/) Toshihiko Seko > [The sectaries of a persecuted religion, depressed by fear, animated with resentment, and perhaps heated by enthusiasm, are seldom in a proper temper of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-gibbon/the-sectaries-of-a-persecuted-religion-depressed-by-fear-animated/) [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) > [Within walking distance of any spot on Earth there's probably more than enough mystery to investigate in a lifetime.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alix-kates-shulman/within-walking-distance-of-any-spot-on-earth-there-s-probably-more/) [Alix Kates Shulman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alix-kates-shulman/) > [It takes a little more time to get into the role, but not very much more. In making a record you don't have the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-callas/it-takes-a-little-more-time-to-get-into-the-role-but-not-very-much/) [Maria Callas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-callas/) Browse all 3,296 Distance quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I didnt pay attention to times or distance, instead focusing on how it felt just to be in motion, knowing it wasn't about the finish line but how I got there that mattered.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sarah Dessen" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distance-instead-focusing-on-how-it/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Distance" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distance-instead-focusing-on-how-it/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c5/sarah-dessen-110_distance_i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distan_79483.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c5/sarah-dessen-110_distance_i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distan_79483.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c5/sarah-dessen-110_distance_i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distan_79483.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I didnt pay attention to times or distance, instead focusing on how it felt just to be in motion, knowing it…” — Sarah Dessen", "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": "Sarah Dessen", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I didnt pay attention to times...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distance-instead-focusing-on-how-it/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/i-didnt-pay-attention-to-times-or-distance-instead-focusing-on-how-it/#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 } } ] } ```