Recently, as I was wrapping up a coaching engagement with a senior leader, we discussed his biggest takeaways from executive coaching. After some thought, he shared it was, without a doubt, learning to “be intentional.” He expanded that it was intentionality in all areas of his life, not just work. To understand how interconnected all aspects are as part of his larger whole, and in not being intentional, the unfortunate and under-appreciated consequences were that his relationships, health, and personal enjoyment had suffered. In short, for years he had unknowingly allowed life and career to “just happen” to him. He was now experiencing the joy of living a proactive vs. reactive life.
Intention. It’s a powerful word, in all its forms. To be intentional. To act with intent.
Since the beginning of this new year, I’ve (ahem) intentionally introduced this word as a guidepost for my own decision-making, and inspection of my time and priorities. As I’ve considered my relationship with various social media feeds, I asked, “What is my purpose with the time I spend here? How is it serving me? How is it serving others? Is it productive?” By simply asking these questions, I’ve given my brain permission to cancel a handful of accounts that were pulling my energy into a highly negative, catabolic place. I’ve moved social media, shopping, and news apps away from my home screens. Why? Because, in short, they truly were not serving any productive purpose.
This exercise opened the door for me to consider the purpose of the company newsletter I write, that happens to include content from my LinkedIn newsletters. I considered what purpose they currently serve for me, my business, and the audiences who read (or, at least, receive) them. Is that purpose and content in alignment with the mission of my company, True North? The answer, in short, was “sometimes.” As a result, beginning in 2025, these newsletters will be more consistently focused on “true north” topics related to purpose-driven leadership, character, core values, belief systems, and intention. And, how the combination of these elements creates truly extraordinary humans.
In addition to my own personal reflections on the power and freedom of intentional living, I asked several friends, clients, and family members to share their thoughts the topic. Together, we decided to title the list below “The Gifts of Intention.”
- Saying “yes” and “no” on purpose, with purpose
- Being fully present and in-the-moment in all interactions
- Freedom from the myth of multitasking
- Feeling and truly being centered
- Identifying and aligning with true, authentic self, rather than “playing a role”
- Letting go of…control, ego, outcomes
- Ability to sit and be comfortable with yourself
- Values-based living
- Elimination of a “fire drill” mentality
- Building a life around fulfilling, life-sustaining choices
This is just the beginning…I’d love to hear from others what you would add to this list!
