Acting with Intention: A Path to Purposeful Living
I’ve been thinking a lot about intention lately and how it relates to my choices and actions in my personal life and career. I’ve very recently begun working wtih a coach on some personal projects. After our introductory conversation where I gave details of what I was thinking, my coach kept saying that what she was hearing from me was a desire to make intentional choices in reaching my goals. This made me start thinking more about what it means to be intentional and how it can make for more positive outcomes to goals I set for myself.
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, acting with intention can be a game-changer. It’s about making deliberate choices that align with our values and goals, rather than simply reacting to the events around us. My coach gave me homework related to defining my own personal values, which is the first step to knowing how to move ahead with intention. Here’s why intention matters and how you can integrate it into your personal and professional life.
What is Intention?
Intention is the guiding force behind our actions. Unlike goals, which are specific targets we aim to achieve, intentions are broader principles that shape our behavior. Think of intentions as the compass that directs your journey, ensuring you stay aligned with your core values.
Why Acting with Intention Matters
Acting with intention helps us focus on what truly matters, leading to greater fulfillment and success. When our actions are intentional, we’re more likely to achieve our goals and experience satisfaction. Research even shows that individuals who live intentionally are generally happier and more successful. It’s about quality over quantity, making each action count.
Potential Barriers to Acting with Intention
Despite its benefits, acting with intention isn’t always easy. Common barriers include:
- Lack of Clarity: Uncertainty about what we want can prevent us from setting clear intentions.
- Distractions: The constant barrage of notifications and multitasking can derail our focus. Another distraction for myself is of my own making, which is having too many project ideas that paralyze me so I don’t complete any.
- Fear of Failure: Doubts and fears can hold us back from acting on our intentions. This has often translated to fear of failure in a financial sense for me. I have great intentions, but my fear of meeting financial goals I also tied to the intentions holds me back.
- Undefined Core Values: Acting intentionally keeps you aligned with your core values, so understanding what yours are is important. I’ve worked with coaches in the past, so identifying my core values has always been one of the first steps I take. It’s interesting to see how my core values stay mostly the same, but some can also change over time.
How to Overcome Barriers to Acting with Intention
Overcoming these barriers requires deliberate effort. Here’s how:
- Gaining Clarity: Spend time reflecting on your values and what you truly want. Techniques like journaling or seeking mentorship can be invaluable. I’ve had success working with a coach for this. My very first experience working with a coach led to me publicly showing my photography for the first time ever. This led to increased exposure and recognition for my work over many years.
- Managing Distractions: Use time management tools, prioritize tasks, and set boundaries to protect your focus. I’m a bit of a productivity geek and feel confident in the systems and tools I have in place. My challenge is the distractions of multiple interests and learning to focus on less so I complete something.
- Overcoming Fear: Build self-confidence by taking small steps and viewing failures as learning opportunities.
Examples of Acting with Intention in Your Personal Life and Career
In my personal life, I’ve become intentional about who I choose to spend time with, focusing on nurturing relationships that bring positivity and growth while stepping back from those that don’t. This mindset extends to my hobbies outside of work, where
I deliberately choose activities that enrich my life and align with my passions.
Professionally, I prioritize my time with intention, carefully selecting projects that align with my goals and values, ensuring that my efforts are impactful and meaningful. This approach has led to a more balanced and fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.
How Acting with Intention Makes a Positive Impact on Your Outcomes
When we act with intention, we create a positive ripple effect. Intentional actions lead to improved outcomes, such as increased productivity, better relationships, and career advancements. For example, by intentionally prioritizing important tasks, we can achieve more in less time, leaving us with more energy and satisfaction. It sounds like a simple formula, but how often do we succumb to being on auto-pilot?
How to Practice Intention in All That You Do
Here are 3 things I do to practice intention in my life:
- Setting Clear Intentions: Journaling is an important activity for me as well as talking with others. The more I can express my intentions, the more defined I can make them and the easier they are to keep top of mind.
- Mindfulness Practices: Stay present and regularly reflect on your actions to ensure they align with your intentions. I have used meditation for many aspects of my life: sleeping, overcoming fear & anxiety, winding down after a stressful situation, etc. It has always helped ground me in the present.
- Consistent Evaluation: Regularly review your progress and adjust your intentions as needed to stay on track. You can do this by setting aside time each week to reflect on your actions, identify areas for improvement, and make any necessary changes to your goals or strategies. This consistent evaluation ensures that you remain aligned with your values and objectives.
Conclusion
Acting with intention is about making deliberate choices that align with your values and goals. By overcoming barriers and practicing intentional living, you can achieve greater fulfillment and success in both your personal and professional life. It’s easy to put in practice, but the paradox for me is that I have to be intentional about being intentional!
How has acting with intention made a difference in your life? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments. Let’s connect and continue this conversation about living with purpose and intention.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
