Be Intentional!

Intentional is defined in the dictionary as something that is “done on purpose”, deliberate .

I was inspired to write this to help encourage many leaders who find themselves lacking motivation or settling into a ‘rut’ in their lives. The difference between someone mastering a craft and blending in is how intentional they are at what they do and how much ‘grit’ they put forth while accomplishing a task.

Many motivational speakers mention how making your bed every morning helps your daily drive, along with motivating you to fulfill specific tasks in the day. Why is this so? Because making your bed in the morning creates the desire to start the day and to become intentional about what you do.

Being intentional is more than what tasks you complete; it’s being thoughtful and considerate about how to communicate with your superiors, how to express love to others, and how to plan for your future. When an individual is intentional, they are maximizing their ability to be classy and wise in every moment. They are considerate in every action they take and plan to make the most impact with convenience in mind.

Here are some tips on how to become more intentional:
1. Stick to a Routine that has your best interest at heart
a. At the end of the day, what really matters is if you are taking care of yourself. If you are unstable due to a lack of routine and are constantly being tossed and turned for everyone else’s benefit, you will begin to resent good deeds that you do and will burn out. In order to avoid this, write out a healthy routine that allows you to have some free time to take on extra tasks when needed.

2. Be Thoughtful before executing on major tasks
a. Sometimes, it takes a second thought before making a decision that can impact the direction of your company, career and lives of others. In order to ensure that you are going to be successful while implementing major tasks, it is imperative that you think it over, go with your gut and with what is reasonable. Being thoughtful truly helps your efforts give you the desired results you aspire to gain.

3. Respect Deadlines and Prioritize
a. In life, there will always be time for something else. I remember watching a video on YouTube regarding the big marbles and small marbles of life. In the video, a woman did her best to fit the big marbles of her life into the jar while the little jars filled the bottom. She discovered that there was not enough room for these items. Therefore, after some prompting, she started over and began first with the big marbles in the jar and then poured in the smaller marbles. The principle discovered was that once an individual takes time for the major things in their lives, then the minor things will naturally pour themselves into place.

Sometimes, we must prioritize towards the things that truly matter and respect deadlines. We must be people of our word, and respect those that we answer to. We must choose to make time for the people and things that matter in our lives. There is a destiny in each of our lives, and we must honor it to the point of doing all that we can to attain it, and being intention in our relationships will help in this area. We will begin to flow cohesively and seamlessly with others while we impact society for the better. (Here’s a similar link to the jar of life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMBM7K_yHog)

4. Never Settle for Average
a. When we think of world changers and history makers, these are always individuals who stood out for one reason or another. Being average is like settling in with the masses. It is mundane and too safe of an adventure. We all desire to be remembered for something, and the only way this can come to pass is if you decide to STAND OUT, try something DIFFERENT, and be a trend setter! So, never settle for average. Be intentional and choose not to settle for average!

5. Don’t Make Excuses!
a. As a boss, teacher, leader or etc., a common pet peeve is when an individual makes excuses for not getting the job done, or for mediocre work. It is not time to make excuses; however, it is time for us to take courage and to be intentional in our accomplishments! Choose to face your shortcomings and make adjustments. If there are still limitations, find out how you can overcome these limitations and make the best out of your situation. Remember, you are only one person trying to make a print on society while linking up with others who desire to do the same. Own your path and your choices, and be intentional towards greatness !

I hope you find encouragement as you go forward in your day. Be Intentional and make it happen!

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