9 Tips for Living an Intentional Life
Living an Intentional Life is something I’ve seen spoken about a lot lately.
“Don’t let yourself or anyone else waste your time.”
Sometime in high school, I realized I wanted my life to matter. Not in the sense of making lots of money (although I wouldn’t complain about that). I wanted to make a difference, I wanted to help people.
I was a kid then, ignorant to the realities of life. But, high school is the time in life where we’re supposed to get our act together. We’re expected to come up with a plan, a plan that might dictate the course of the rest of our life. That’s a lot of pressure!
Nonetheless, I decided I wanted to make a difference and took to the internet to figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was bombarded with choices. It was actually quite overwhelming. Anyway, that single decision, determining my purpose, was the catalyst for the biggest life change I would ever make.
Once I realized my purpose in life was to help people, it influenced every big decision I’ve had to make since. Recognizing that purpose, envisioning the life I most want as one where I make a difference in people’s lives, has made some of my most difficult decisions much easier.
Suddenly, decisions can be boiled down to, which option will bring me closer to living the life I want most?
Although I’ve been living my life based on this principle for years, I’ve only recently realized there’s a label for it. Living Intentionally.
What does it mean to live an intentional life?
Living an intentional life means you live your life in a way the is fulfilling and meaningful to you. You realize that life is fueled by choices and take responsibility making (or not making) them. It involves engaging with your life and making purposeful choices.
Living an intentional life necessitates having a clear idea of what you want to accomplish. Choices and decisions should be based around what reaching your goal of living the life you want most.
Tips for living an intentional life
- Take responsibility for your life. The good, the bad, the ugly. It’s your life right now, own it, change it if you want to. You are the only one with the power to change your own life. Make the choice to live intentionally, to live the life you want most.
- Recognize life is made up of choices. Take responsibility for the choices you make. Choose to live the life you want, and let that ideal guide your choices.
- Reflect on your life and the choices you’ve made so far. Never be afraid to take a good look at your life and see how far you’ve come. Think about what is and isn’t working.
- Don’t be afraid to make changes if you need to. I had to learn helping people didn’t mean saying ‘yes’ every time someone made a request. Saying no those first few times was not easy.
- Be intentional with your words. “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” When you speak, your words should be factual, helpful, and precise. Words said in the midst of anger or strong emotions have a tendency to lead to regret.
- Declutter. Rid your life of the things that aren’t helping you achieve your goals. Sometimes, this includes people too.
- Set goals. Having a goal provides direction. It’s something to look forward to. It will also help focus your life and direct your decisions.
- Stay motivated. Being intentional is a lifestyle, not a week-long fad. It’s not always easy, but by staying motivated we continue towards the life we want most. Taking care of yourself will help with this part.
- Learn from others. No one knows everything, but everyone knows something you don’t. This also a great way to empower others.
Live an Intentional Life
Living an intentional life is a deliberate choice. It’s not always easy, but it is worth it. This way of living will help you reach your goals. You’ll quickly find yourself on the path to becoming your best self, the person you always hoped you would be.
As always,
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25 Comments
fitterpated
This is so me right now! Putting in work to have an intentional life.
janna
I often think about Sartre’s quote “we are our choices” and try to apply that to living intentionally.
healthyfitcouple.com
Love these tips, Settings goals is so very important!
julivaglobal
I see why I need to see who I am spending and wasting time that will never be regained. Great post.
Backpacking Series
Refreshing post. The biggest challenge that we have seen people have to live an intentional life is as you mentioned “Don’t be afraid to make changes if you need to.” Change is needed at times but comes difficult for many! Thanks for igniting a reflection!
Beau-tee Mail
This was amazing and unique, I love every bit of this article
Meygan
These are so spot on! I think #1 is definitely the hardest one because accountability can be difficult for people, but I think once people take ownership, they can also take control!
Kamapala Chukwuka
I absolutely LOVE this post! Years ago, I decided that I was tired of just merely existing and I wanted to live a purposeful/intentional life! All the amazing tips you’ve shared here are what I use to achieve my goal. I just love where I’m headed now that I’m intentionally living life. 🙂
amayszingblogs
To achieve your goal be on this post! very nice post!
Neil Alvin Nicerio
The post is very informative. Thank you for sharing this. 🙂 I would be following you.
TheSuperMomLife
These are all things that I struggle with getting right. It’s hard to get wrapped up in things that don’t matter and miss out on the things that do.
Shanab
I think living an intention life full of mindfulness is key to a great, fulfilling journey.
Daniel
Thanks so much for this. Living an intentional life has been a struggle for me.
Coleccion De Fotografia
I definitely would want to live an international life! Thanks for such a great post.
Harish Joshi
These are really great tips. I would love to implement them. Thanks!
Mane
Thank you for this inspiring post. I’ve learned and gain some tips on how to live an intentional life
Everything On A Plate
There are so many things that we had not thought of that are mentioned here. We are definitely making changes
Jeferson
First i Wanted success driven life. .. . Later on I wanted a purpose driven life…. Then your intentional life came along…… Nice tips
Serena Millet
Oh man I am terrible at wasting time. I blame social media for distracting me. But seriously, I totally agree that alone shouldbe living am intentional life!
Anshika Juneja
We all should have a disciplined life, and should not get distracted. These tips can help us so much in leading a intentional life and achieving our goals.
wordsofntemid
You’re soooo right, Sawyer and I’m glad to say that this is soooo me!
Fibi Drese
I love your tips, it will help me lot. Thank you
Eko
Thanks for your advice its very useful
Jenn
Thanks for sharing this. This is very important and reading a post like this always touches my heart.
Tushar
Your words are very motivating. Many of us do not realize that we are not making the most of our day.