Do you ever wonder how to live an intentional life? Or maybe what sets you apart from the girl who is setting and reaching goals at what seems to be record speed? You know the one I’m talking about. The girl hitting those goals at the gym, losing that last 10 pounds, promoting at work, starting that new business, organizing every closet or leaving her 9-5 to stay at home with her kids.
One word – Intentionality.
It may seem that she is floating along while effortlessly meeting each and every goal but I promise her steps aren’t by chance. She is deliberate, purposeful and intent, creating and living out habits that align with her desired life. She is saying no to the things that create distance between herself and that life even if they’re comfortable or fun. At the same time, she is saying yes to what keeps her on the right path to her goal.
Intentionality is the fact of being deliberate or purposive.
Living intentionally at first glance seems to be simple may even effortless. But in fact, it doesn’t come natural. It is a way of life that requires effort, discipline and focus. Like anything good in life, there is no secret or easy button. Maybe like any good habit, it eventually becomes second nature but at first we must devote the time and energy required.
If you’re still reading, I’m assuming you are longing to live with more purpose and meaning as myself. If floating along is your jam then this post is likely not for you. But I’m willing to bet “floating along” doesn’t work well for most. I’m going to share with you what I’m learning so far and I’m confident and hopeful it will help you in your journey. Living intentionally like most everything else is a journey that is best lived out in community. I’m so glad you are a part of this one.
I’m going to break living intentionally into 4 manageable steps which I’ll share each week throughout the month of January. This of course isn’t a one and done type thing but it will set you on a path in the right direction. So let’s get started with step 1.
Have you watched the movie, “The Notebook” with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling? If you’re answer is no then when you finish this, please go watch it. If sweet love stories aren’t your thing, then maybe skip it. Anyway, there is a scene where he is pleading with his love to simply say what she wants while in turmoil she insists, “it’s not that simple”. So here we are and I’m asking you, what do you want?
In order to plan your next steps, you must first decide where you are going. It would be such heartache to live out an elaborate plan just to find out it didn’t lead to where you wanted. Right? Take the next 3 or 4 days to give adequate thought to what it is you really want out of life. Write it down. Talk it out. Details will change over time but think big picture. I’m going to ask a series of questions below to ponder over the next week. If you need more help or want to talk it out, send me a DM, email or comment below.
Questions to Consider…
- What sets your soul on fire? Or what would say is your #1 passion?
- What can’t you live without? What do you spend your time thinking or talking about most?
- If you could do or have one thing and you knew you wouldn’t fail, what would it be?
- What does your “imaginary” life look like? You know, the one in your day dreams or the one your lying awake at night thinking about while your kids are asleep.
- Is there someone you envy? Be honest. Like I wish I could do what she is doing. Or you find yourself saying, “that must be nice”, “well if I did/had what she did/had?”
- When someone leaves your presence, what do you want them to say about you?
- Your ideal life? Describe with only three words. Examples: peaceful, home, adventure.
- What are your top three priorities today?
- What do you hope your top three priorities will be in 10-15 years?
- If you felt you could, what would you say no to?
After you spend some time with these questions, start to put together what it is that you really want out of life. How do you want your life to feel? What do you want your life to look like now, in 5 years, 10 years or even 20?
The following ideas will help solidify this picture for you. Create a vision board. Journal your bigger picture. Make a list. Create a Pinterest board that speaks to what you are after. Make a video of your ideas to save on your phone. Be creative to find what works for you but keep it close and in a place that you will see often.
As you move through creating habits and setting goals, it will be important to be able to come back to this picture. It affords you the clarity to be able to say, yes this aligns with the bigger picture that I’m after or no I need to set this aside. This is Step 1.
It may seem simple but the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. So I challenge you to take the time. I’ll be doing this as well this week so feel free to reach out if you have any questions or simply want to talk it out. You can also sign up for my weekly newsletter and receive a free intentional living guide to get started as well.
I’m wishing you the best this week and hope you have a beautiful day.
Jess
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