By definition intentional means done in a way that was planned or intended.
When we live intentionally then we are choosing how we are going to react and respond to things. We aren’t just letting life happen around us we are in a sense taking control of our life and our actions.
It is not easy to sharpen our focus in this hectic, fast paced world we live in, but learning to do so can help insure that we are living based our values and beliefs.
Don’t Be A People Pleaser
Say No more often. Don’t let the pressure that other people feel be passed on to you. It’s ok to take a pass on an invitation. If it’s someone that truly cares about you then they will understand this. It’s ok to not volunteer every time you are asked. Saying no gives you the freedom to say yes to things that are truly important to you. If you always saying yes to everyone else then when do you have time to say yes to YOU!
Wake Up Early
The way you start your day is extremely important. Everyone knows that feeling when you over sleep and are rushed to get out the door on time. It can really wreak havoc on the way you feel the rest of the day. It’s like your entire day is off balance. Even if you don’t wake up late, if you find you are often stressed in the mornings maybe it’s time to rethink your routine and find a better way. Set your alarm clock 30 minutes earlier so you can take some time just for you. It’s up to you how you want to spend this time, but I find it helpful to do something quiet like meditating, writing, or reading. Also take a few minutes to actually sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Starting your day in a more peaceful way will make an impact on your entire day.
Stop Comparing
One of the biggest drawbacks of social media is how it has created a society that is constantly comparing ourselves with everyone else. People we know, and strangers. We think we know what there life is all about. We see all the perfect pretty pictures and then we look at our very imperfect life and that is when the sadness comes in. That is when the envy and jealousy comes in. We wonder what are we doing so wrong that our life doesn’t look like that. Of course the reality is, that we have no idea what is going on behind closed doors. We only see what “they” have carefully selected to show on their highlight reel. We see the best of the best and compare it to our worse. If you do this you will never be satisfied, you will never feel like you are enough. It might be time to take a step back from social media if you see that it is affecting you in this way.
Define Your Purpose
How do you spend your days? What brings you the most joy, how much time do you spend doing the things that make you feel good? Take some time to really think about this and consider how you are spending the majority of your time. What do you want to contribute to your family and to the world? When people look at you what do they see? What is important to you, what are you truly passionate about? These are not easy questions, you really have to dig deep to find the answers. Start asking yourself these things and you will be headed in the right direction.
Practice Gratitude
When was the last time that you really took the time to reflect upon all the things that you have to be thankful for? Often we are programmed to think of all the things we don’t have, all the things we want, all the things we feel our life is lacking. We are so focused on those things that we don’t appreciate all the wonderful things we have in our life. Sadly it often takes a loss for us to realize what we really had all along. Starting a gratitude journal may seem silly but the simple act of taking a few minutes to think of just 2 or 3 three things you are thankful for each day may change the way you perceive your life and the world around you.
What is one thing you did today to live more intentionally?
