I Got Lost in my Kitchen
Jan 02, 2026
Have you ever walked into a room and wondered, “Wait, what did I come here for again?”
That happened to me the other day.
I needed something important in my kitchen. But on my way there, my mind started thinking about other things.
Sure enough, when I arrived, my mind went blank and I stood there digging in the recesses of my brain trying to remember…
Eventually, it came to me, I retrieved the item and was on my way.
Normal enough story, right? Probably happens to you more times than you care to admit?
Well the next day, the same event happened… but this time I something different occurred.
Normally when I work, I try to stay hydrated and have a big flask of water on my desk.
However on this particular day, the forces of the universe had conspired against me and the unthinkable had occurred:
I had run out of ice.
And of all the American first world problems, heaven forbid anyone should drink water without ice.
And so… to the kitchen I returned with the flask in hand with the singular and holy mission to retrieve ice for my water.
However this time on the way to the kitchen, something different happened.
I imagined.
I imagined how I was going to get the ice.
I imagined how the water would taste… perfectly chilled.
I imagined how much better my work would go… with the ice water.
And sure enough, when I got to the kitchen, I scooped in the ice from my freezer, filled the flask with water, and was on my way back to work.
It was only as I was back at my desk that I remembered the incident from the day before… where I had been distracted.
What was the difference?
Both times I needed something.
Both times I paused my work.
Both times I physically went to the kitchen.
But while I had drawn a blank and stared at the wall the first time, the second time I went straight there… retrieved what I needed… and returned without any extra time or energy wasted.
The difference?
It hit me: Clarity and intention.
In the 1st experience, I needed something… but evidently I didn’t need it enough to hold my focus on the way there.
And so I got distracted.
The 2nd time? As I walked, all I thought about was getting the benefits of ice cold water. I had clarity on what I wanted, and I acted with intention and purpose every step of the way.
That’s when I realized this simple truth:
Clarity plus intention beats distraction.
When clarity inspires you to act, and you act with intention, distraction has no place to take root in your mind.
And I think we all could agree that we have a lot of distractions these days.
(Photo: Distractions are everywhere)
As we all begin a New Year, its common to think of grand resolutions and goals. Just ask the influx of people who are showing up at my local gym this week for the first time.
But what if… instead of goals of things we wanted to accomplish… we simplified it a little to focus on how we want to show up on a daily basis? Goals on how we wanted to be?
Simple idea, sure. But in practice? There’s the rub.
What are things that are causing distractions for you?
What seems to be getting in the way?
How could a little more clarity and intention improve how you show up?
Clarity plus intention beats distraction.
How would your life be different if you showed up with a little more clarity and less distraction?
Maybe you could enjoy a little more ice in your water too.
Imagine that.
Christian
CHRISTIAN HANSEN has gone behind the scenes in some of the biggest organizations in the world to find out the reasons why some people get chosen and why others don’t. As the #1 bestselling and LinkedIn Top Ten ranked author of “The Influence Mindset: The Art & Science of Getting People to Choose You” Christian helps teams and organizations who want to stand out and be the obvious choice. With degrees from Brigham Young University and The London School of Economics, he’s helped thousands of individuals position and sell themselves. A fan of international communication, history, and choral music, he currently lives in Utah with his wife. Reach him at: TheChristianHansen.com
Its Like GettingĀ a 1-1 Coaching SessionĀ
Delivered to Your Inbox.
Join our mailing list to receive weekly Influence Insights that will make you the obvious choice to Decision Makers.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
