The definition for intentionally means you do it in a planned way. Now compare that with the definition of intention, which is something that you want and plan to do; an aim. To act with intention means to act with thought only. To act intentionally means to act on purpose. To be intentionally intentional means to act with purpose on your intentions. If we intend to change but do not, then it would seem that we are actually intending not to change.
If you mean to change something about yourself, or even transform your life into something completely different, then you must act with purposeful intention. Attempting to change without being intentional during the process will not meet with much success. There are many things that we intend to do that we never do. We intend to help out at the local charity. But, we never do. We intend to leave that life-force sucking job that we hate, and move on to something better. We never do.
These days when someone is energetically talking about taking positive actions for change they may say they are going do so with intention, or they are going to be intentional about it. There is no difference between the kind of intention that results in a positive outcome and the kind that leaves someone intentionally stuck. I believe that what people actually and precisely mean by acting with intention or being intentional is that they are proclaiming to be intentionally intentional. Below are five things to be intentional about each day
A Positive Mindset-Sometimes
when challenges get thrown at you, it’s hard to keep positive and focused. I
want you to think about how hard it is to move forward on your goals when your
mindset goes into a downward spiral. I encourage you to do everything possible
to start your day off doing something that lifts you way up, end your day
celebrating your wins, and have a ritual that gets you focused on
positivity. Some examples of ways to get and stay in a positive mindset
are music, podcasts, audio books, inspirational articles, doing meditation,
journaling, and exercising.
Learning and Growing-As
we go through life, we most certainly are going to make our share of
mistakes. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. The most successful people
have made their share of them. The thing is this. If you don’t stop and look
for the lesson than you repeat the mistakes you have made. I encourage
you to always have your mind open to learning and growing. Learn something new
each day and then get authentic with the challenges you have and always find
ways to worker smarter.
Most Important Tasks-You
make hundreds of decisions in a day. There is always so much to do but
one of the things you need to look at is whether you are focusing on the
critical things that need to get done. It’s very easy to get distracted
and do things that are necessary, but not critical. If you want to feel
productive each and every day, I encourage you to take time right at the start
of the day to get clear about serious priorities and as things come in during
the day. Ask yourself if what you are doing is the most important at that time.
Relationships-Sometimes
we all need to realize that our loved ones are not going to be around forever. Because
we are so busy, we put off a phone call or visit until a later date. I think we
all have experiences in which a loved one passed away too early in life. Each day
it’s important for you to make sure you stay intentional on the important
things. True friends, loved ones really are true priorities. Be sure to keep
connected through emails, video messages, phone calls and of course visits.
Don’t ever live life wishing you would have spent more time with loved ones.
Self-Care -If
you want to be strong in your life personally and professionally, I believe you
absolutely must put your self-care on the top of your priority list. I am
talking about eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. I know that
this can be a struggle. Take a moment right now and think about a time when you
were eating great and feeling at your most fit. How did you feel at this time,
and how was your mindset (and productivity) as a result of this? Be sure
to be intentional each day about your self-care. It needs to be a
non-negotiable.
“Remember, a real decision is measured by the
fact that you’ve taken new action. If there’s no new action you haven’t truly
decided.” (Anthony
Robbins) [i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“5 Things to Be Intentional On Each Day” by Cynthia
Bazin
·
“Intention” by Cambridge
Dictionary
·
“Intentionally” by Cambridge
Dictionary
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