The Importance OF Living Intentionally

When I talk to people ,and they say they are waiting for things to happen. I feel like saying ,"you need to take action and be intentional for great things to happen". I am a firm believer that we can live the lives we want and achieve our goals by changing some behaviors and being more deliberate.   
I like this quote from Michael Hyatt a lot "You don't drift to a place you choose. Desirable outcomes are caused." To get the results you want in life, you need to do something. 
 
In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be intentional ,and ten areas of your life where being intentional pays off.  
 
What does it mean to be intentional? 

• done by intention or design 
• is something done on purpose. 
• something that is intentional is deliberate. 

 
10 Things to be intentional about  
 
#1: Be intentional about your words and actions  
There is a lot of power in our words and actions. Taking time to think of the impact of our actions on other people makes us better people and in turn, makes the world a better place. 
 
#2: Being intentional with your money 
To gain financial freedom and thrive, you need to be more deliberate with what you do with your money. From making money to spending it to saving or investing it. Check out the Mo' Money Podcast Episode 175. 
 
#3: Be intentional with your goals 
When you are deliberate about the goals you set, you increase your success rate. Working towards those goals takes being intentional about the priorities you set and the actions you take towards achieving your goals.  
 
#4: Be intentional about taking opportunities 
When you approach opportunities intentionally great things happen. Make it a priority to go out and seek out opportunities in your personal and professional life. In my blog post "the importance of seizing opportunities" I share the reasons why you should be more intentional about opportunities.  
 
#5: Be intentional about setting your personal boundaries 
Being clear on what you will accept and what you need to live a balanced life is very crucial. As I progress in life, I am learning the importance of setting boundaries in my personal and professional life. The most significant boundaries I set are around my time commitment to work versus my personal projects.  
 
#6: Be intentional with your relationships 
The people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your life. Being very deliberate about the people you let into your close circle will help you succeed. Surround yourself with people who contribute positively to your life.  
 
#7: Be intentional with your learning 
Knowing the benefits of continuous learning in your personal and professional life will help you set the right priorities. Having a growth mindset and prioritizing learning will set you apart from your peers and open new doors to you.  
 
#8: Be intentional with your time  
Sometimes we act like time is an infinite resource. However, the truth is that time is a limited resource. When you take this fact seriously, you start being more aware of how you spend your time. Be more deliberate and measure the results of your time investment.  
 
#9: Be intentional about the work you do 
We spend a considerable amount of our lives at work. When you are deliberate about choosing your job or the company you work for, you increase the probability or you enjoying the work you do and feeling fulfilled.  
 
#10: Be intentional about giving back  
Often, I remind myself that there is much more reward in giving back to people than taking from people. My way of ensuring that giving back is a part of my life is actually setting goals in this area as well. 
 
Call To Action 
What does being intentional mean to you? 
In what areas of your life do you want to be more intentional?  
 
Final Thoughts 
Let's wrap up with some amazing quotes about living intentionally 

• “Intentional living is the art of making our own choices before others' choices make us.” ― Richie Norton 
• “An unintentional life accepts everything and does nothing. An intentional life embraces only the things that will add to the mission of significance.” ― John C. Maxwell 
• “Work on Purpose, Play on Purpose, Rest on Purpose. Do not let yourself or anyone else waste your time.” Izey Victoria Odiase 
• “To live intentionally implies that it is not going to be always convenient, but it is what will take you to significance if you do not give up.” Sunday Adelaja 
• “If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” Nora Roberts 

 
Great Resources 

• How to live intentionally 
• 8 Powerful Ways to Live Your Life More Intentionally 
• 5 Ways to Live More Intentionally 
• An Intro to Intentional Living: 7 Things You Need to Know 
• What Is Intentional Living?