Living an Intentional Life: What Does It Mean?

So many of us go through life just living each day, going through the motions, and getting things done. We are creatures of routine, often making it through an entire day without even really thinking about most of our actions, tasks, and responsibilities. We just do it. 

Unfortunately, a life spent on autopilot is not much of a life at all. Life is meant to be lived, and that’s where intentional living comes in. 

What does it mean to live intentionally? While the definition is a bit subjective at times, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is Intention?

Intention, by definition, refers to an “aim or plan,” a thing that is deliberate and meant to be done. Most of us make very few intentional decisions about our life from one day to the next but there’s a lot to gain if we can learn to live with more purpose and planning. 

Living with intention means being mindful and present as you experience life. Be self-aware and conscious in your decisions, deliberate in your goals and actions, and purposeful in your interactions with the world around you. 

What Does Living Intentionally Look Like?

When you live intentionally, you are living in a way that is:

• Authentic to your experiences 
• Unique to your goals and aspirations
• Aligned with your own values and purpose 
• Filled with healthy boundaries 
• Deliberate and self-aware 

Essentially, you’re living a life that means something to you. And when you do that, you’ll find several benefits. Of course, this is all easier said than done for most people. To that end, here are some tips. 

How to Live Intentionally 

There is no single map to intentional living. However, there are some tips that everyone can use to make their lives more deliberate and purposeful:

• Identify your core values and prioritize them. Then, focus on making every decision in your life based on those values. 
• Make a list, chart, or other graphic of your life to ensure you’re on track in each area and make changes where they are needed. 
• Get to know yourself on a deeper level – what do you care about? What makes you happy? What gives you purpose? 
• Declutter your mind and your life. We often fill our lives with “stuff” to attempt to feel fulfilled, but that only comes from purposeful, intentional living. This can help shift your mind and clear space for your new intentional life. 

When you live intentionally, you will feel more fulfilled and accomplished in your life, and less like a passenger who’s just along for the ride. If you want to learn more, contact Mel Doerr!