Raise your hand if you feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day to get everything you need to get done.  You realize that some days you feel productive, while on others you don’t and have a lack of energy.

If so, you’ve felt like how I felt at times.  But I realized that my moods are often based on my intentions for that day.

I thought if I multi-tasked that I would be able to accomplish more.  But, as a result, I’ve become burned out and exhausted. 

Why did I feel this way?  I was doing the work.

What was the problem? 

Then it clicked; I wasn’t doing what mattered.

Instead of overworking myself, I shifted my mindset on things that fueled me. 

Are you ready to live with intention?  Let’s break down what it means and how it can benefit you in the long run.  

What Does It Mean to Be Intentional?

You don’t have to be on autopilot all the time.  Allow yourself to make conscious choices.  When you are intentional, you do the following:

·       Know your priorities

·       Set boundaries that do not compromise your values.

·       Not always saying yes

Being flexible and purpose-driven can allow you to be intentional.  You don’t have to be perfect.

The Hidden Cost of Being Unintentional

When you don’t set intentions, it’s like investing in something that is not benefiting you.

Here are some things people do when their intentions are not set.

·       Feeling obligated to say yes

·       Multitasking, but nothing gets done

·       Putting the needs of others before yourself

·       Scrolling just to lose track of time

·       No plan for the day

Some of the indicators indicate you are doing too much, have reached burnout, and are mentally exhausted.

How Intentionality Saves Time

1.    You Stop Doing Things That Don’t Matter

Not everything you do might matter to you.  Be intentional about what is important.

·       Stop trying to do several things at once.

·       Busy work doesn’t mean you are productive.

·       Less work that does not align with your goals.

Preserve your “yes” for things that allow you to get your time back.

2.    You Make Faster Decisions

Make a decision. Trust your intuition.

Ask yourself:

Will this task align me with my goals?

Is it best for me to take on this task at this moment?

Will I make progress, or is this just a distraction?

Be clear on what you want.  Give yourself a few minutes to regroup.  Do not second-guess yourself.

3.    You Reduce Context Switching

Stop pausing one task and switching over to another.

This is a habit you will want to break.  I’ve learned that you can accomplish a lot more if you focus on the task at hand.  Once the task is done, move on to the next one.

You’ll be amazed at how much less stressed you become.

How Intentionality Saves Energy

1.    You Preserve Mental Bandwidth

The choices in life cost your energy.

Depending on what you do, it can either boost your energy or drain you.

Have your systems in place so that your plans for the day are intentional.

2.    You Avoid Emotional Drain

Stop being that person that commits to every single thing. Over time you will burn out and resent a lot of things.

Allow yourself to stick to your boundaries, avoid feeling obligated to take on tasks that aren’t yours, and learn to communicate. 

Speak up for yourself. 

You deserve peace.

3.    You Align Energy With Values

Figure out your values.  Allow your values to guide you through your day. It will make things feel lighter in terms of how you feel doing the task at hand.

If you aren’t sure what your values are, take time to figure that out. Highlight what’s important to you. 

Practical Ways to Be More Intentional

Start With One Clear Priority a Day

At the start of your day, ask yourself, “What is the one thing I want to accomplish?”

Knowing this can shift the way you view your day.

Pause Before Saying Yes

Before you answer yes. 

Allow yourself to pause and reflect. 

Don’t be afraid to say, “I’ll let you know as soon as I check my schedule.”

Design Your Mornings and Evenings

Go into the day with a fresh mindset. 

If you feel like you are going into the day overwhelmed, then create a nighttime ritual that will allow you to unwind.

Audit Your Energy

Take into account what drains your energy.  Don’t be afraid to check in with yourself. You can ask yourself on a weekly basis the following:

·       What drained my energy this week?

·       How can I regain control?

·       What are some of the shifts I can take?

Intentional Living Is a Skill—Not a Personality Trait

Being intentional isn’t something that just happens overnight.  It’s about creating habits that align with who you are and how you want to feel.

There may be days when you fall into old habits that don’t align with your values. 

Don’t stress.

Allow yourself to know how to cope and shift your energy. 

Final Thought

Remember that being intentional allows you to focus on what’s important throughout time. 

Allow your energy to be the motivation for what you want in life.  Adjust your energy when things don’t always go to plan. 

You are human and making the most of each day.