It is February already and maybe those “New Year, New Skills” plans did not quite manifest as you hoped they would. No worries, there is no better time than the present to reflect on the ways in which we can be more intentional in our daily lives.

Intentionality involves being purposeful and mindful in our actions and decisions, rather than just going through the motions or letting external circumstances dictate our choices. In the face of so much uncertainty and change, being intentional can provide a sense of stability and control and can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

One of the key benefits of being intentional is that it helps us align our actions with our values and goals. When we are intentional, we take the time to think about what we really want and what is important to us. This, in turn, impacts the choices we make. For example, if one of your values is to be more environmentally responsible, you might choose to carpool or take public transportation instead of driving alone, or to shop at stores that prioritize sustainability. By making choices that are in line with our values, we can feel more authentic and fulfilled.

Being intentional can also increase our sense of control and agency. When we make conscious decisions, we feel more in control of our lives and more able to shape our own destiny. This can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. For example, if you set a goal to run a marathon and then train consistently and discipline yourself to stick to a healthy diet, you will likely feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when you cross the finish line. I can attest to this feeling and it is a high I hope to experience twice this year in Berlin and Chicago. By contrast, if you just go through the motions and let external circumstances dictate your choices, you might feel less in control and less satisfied with your life.

Another benefit of being intentional is that it can help us build healthy habits and routines. By being mindful of the actions we take daily, we can create habits that support our well-being and help us lead a more fulfilling life. For example, if you make a conscious effort to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet, you will likely feel more energized and productive. On the other hand, if you let your habits be dictated by external factors like your schedule or what is convenient, you might end up making unhealthy choices that leave you feeling drained and unfulfilled.

In addition to the personal benefits of being intentional, it can also lead to better relationships and communication. When we are intentional in our interactions with others, we are more likely to listen actively, communicate clearly, and establish trust and understanding. This can lead to stronger, more meaningful relationships. For example, if you try to listen actively when someone is speaking to you and to express your thoughts and feelings clearly, you will likely build stronger connections with that person. By contrast, if you are not present in your interactions or if you are not clear in your communication, you might have more misunderstandings and conflict.

Finally, being intentional can reduce stress and improve mental health. When we are intentional, we are less likely to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and more able to prioritize self-care and relaxation. This can help reduce stress and improve our overall mental health. For example, if you make a conscious effort to take breaks throughout the day and to practice activities like meditation or yoga, you will likely feel more relaxed and focused. On the other hand, if you are constantly on the go and do not make time for self-care, you might feel burned out and stressed.

So how can we be more intentional for the remainder of 2023? Here are a few tips:

1.) Start each day with intention. Take a few minutes to set an intention for the day, whether it is to be more present, to focus on self-care, or to accomplish a specific task. This can help guide your actions and choices throughout the day.

2.) Practice mindfulness. Being mindful involves paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and openness. This can help us stay focused and present, rather than getting caught up in distractions or regrets about the past. You can practice mindfulness through activities like meditation, yoga, or simply paying attention to your breath and surroundings in the present moment.

3.) Set clear goals and priorities. Identify the things that are most important to you and plan to work towards them. This can help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks or obligations. It can also be helpful to break your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps to make them feel more attainable.

4.) Take breaks and prioritize self-care. It is important to take breaks and practice self-care to keep ourselves healthy and energized. This can include activities like exercise, relaxation, or simply taking a few minutes to pause and breathe. Make sure to set aside time for these activities and prioritize them in your schedule.

Being intentional can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. By being purposeful and mindful in our actions and decisions, we can align our actions with our values, build healthy habits, improve our relationships, and reduce stress. It is alright if 2023 did not start off how you planned, now is the time to recommit and refocus on you.

Cheers to making the rest of this year one of intentionality!

Summary:

The journey to a more fulfilling life starts with embracing intentionality. Here are 4 tips for being more intentional for the rest of 2023:

1: Start each day with intention

2: Practice mindfulness

3: Set clear goals and priorities

4: Take breaks and prioritize self-care

Thanks for reading.

Stay Curious,

Brian

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Brian Aquart is the Founder & President of Kingswood Forest and the Creator & Host of Why I Left, a podcast chronicling real stories from real people about why they left their jobs during the pandemic. Stay up to date with Brian on LinkedIn.