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We hear this all the time. Be intentional in life, in business, in everything we're doing. Intentionality has become a bit of a buzzword, but I wanted to take some time to talk about what this really means and how to actually start being intentional because it isn't always easy.
So the definition of intentional is pretty simple. It means done on purpose or deliberately. Sure, sounds easy enough, but if you're like me, you might be finding it hard to stay in that mindset of doing things on purpose and get swept up in the day-to-day tasks and functions of running a business and a life and the monotonous mount enough to-dos that come along with all of that.
This is where we tend to lose it, and we start feeling the struggle and we forget to stay present and it's really hard to do. Now, I don't fault you or myself. This happens to everyone and it can be pretty hard to get back in the moment. So let's talk about what we can do. First is to set your intentions daily.
Daily Intentions
Every day is a new chance to show up and be intentional for that day. So set that intention each day. What is it that you're planning to achieve for the day? How do you want to feel? What is that going to look like? How are you going to combat the distractions and things? Literally pulling on you left and right all day and staying focused on the feeling and energy you want to have that.
It starts with a plan, and maybe you're not a type A list maker like me, but even taking a moment in the morning to be mindful of what your intentions from the day are. You can come back to that place throughout the day and it will help you actually stay on track. You also want to get clear on your goals when you have big goals for yourself.
They aren't going to just happen overnight, obviously. Like, duh, we all know that you have to take intentional steps towards making them happen. Do you know what your goals are for the day, the week, the month, the year, the big picture? Sometimes it's hard to be intentional because we don't even know what it is that we want.
Think About Your Goals, Time, and Boundaries
So get ultra clear on your goals so that you can take intentional action steps towards them, and when you're feeling lost or like life is taking the wheel and pulling you along, you can come back to this and take back that control. Speaking of taking back control, It's going to help you to take charge of your time.
Being intentional with your time is another superpower that I like to use daily. When you aren't flying by the seat of your pants and letting the demands of the day run what you're doing next, you're able to actually be intentional with nearly everything that you're doing. You are in control of your schedule and you can plan time to be present with the people in your life.
Take time to be present with yourself in your business tasks. If you know me, you know I love a flexible plan for my time, the easier it is to be intentional in everything you do that day. Set some boundaries. The best way to continue to be intentional and do things on purpose is to make sure you're not heading down a path to burnout.
And the best way to do this is to create some balance between your life and your business. And the best way to do that is to set some boundaries. So go back to your daily intentions and your goals and think about what things make sense to help you work towards that. And what are the things that are getting you?
Track, what do you need to say no to? Where are the lines that you need to draw in the sand? And what are the things you need to be clear on with people in your life so that they can help honor your boundaries? Is it your schedule, your break times, times for yourself? Define what your boundaries need to be and then put those boundaries in place.
Mindfulness
The last thing I'm gonna share today is to practice mindfulness. This one might be a little “woo”, but I have been leaning into this side more and more this year, and I'm not mad about it. Plus, if you've ever taken training from me, you know how important mindfulness is and how much I talk about being mindful at the base of every foundation.
Now mindfulness is something that I actually struggle with, and so it's something I've been actively working on every day. Taking time to intentionally be in the moment throughout my day has actually been really eye-opening, and it doesn't have to be some grand meditation or reflection. I'm just simply taking a moment to be in the moment throughout the day.
It sounds like something that should just happen naturally, but for most of us, we aren't doing this. So my challenge to you today is to take time, to be mindful, to enjoy the little moments of the day, to digest the things that you are consuming, to appreciate the work that you're doing. The more you do this, the easier it's going to become, and it will be a big help in the act of being more intent.
So do you feel like intentionality is a strength of yours? Why or why not? I would love to know. Send me a message at Megan@bossladiesandbabies.com and until next time, stay bossy.