Being Intentional - Episode 52

Let me ask you again, are you picking and choosing what you want to do and pursue, or are you just taking whatever life throws at you? For example, when I was a teacher, springtime would get exceptionally busy for me. I agreed to help out with the musical, help my students with their solo ensemble music, and more, along with giving my normal classes and lessons throughout the day. It got to the point where I was just drained trying to make it through the day. I wasn’t able to give my best to my students or my family because I was so tired. For another example, imagine you’re fishing. Do you just start casting in random places, or do you pick and choose so you can catch as many fish as possible? We need to take this approach with life. Life will throw so many things at you; you need to decide what opportunities you want to say yes to. If you just say yes to everything you aren’t being intentional. Most likely, you’ll end up feeling overwhelmed and won’t be able to give your best at everything.

Your life is made up of choices, instead of just taking whatever life gives you, you need to choose which ones you want to take. Take time to relax and breathe and see what opportunities are coming your way and decide whether or not to say yes. At the beginning of each week set an intention for the week, just a simple goal to try to accomplish. The intention doesn’t have to be anything big, but make sure to follow through with it. It could be something as simple as not going on social media after 7:00 at night. This is the first step to taking control of your life.

When life throws something bad your way, try to be calm and find ways to recover and make things better. Try to see how you can learn from the situation and/or resolve it. Decide what your priorities are and use them to choose what you say yes and no to. You need to choose what’s important to you. Everybody’s priorities are probably different, and that’s ok! If an opportunity comes up that doesn’t align with your priorities, say no. If it aligns with your priorities, then say yes as long as you have the time to do so!

Another important way to take control of your life is to stay focused on what you’re working on. When you are working on one thing, set a time limit for how long to work on it, and be completely focused on that task at that time. For example, as I’m working on this show I give myself a time limit, and I keep myself completely focused. I’m not worried about making dinner or doing laundry.

Active listening is also very important, you need to stay focused on what people are saying so that you can fully understand what people are saying. I am guilty of not doing this all the time, and when I don’t do it, it can and has hurt my relationships. I can’t stress the importance of active listening. It’s important to be listened to. When you feel like somebody isn’t really listening to you, it’s like they don’t care. Don’t do that to other people.

A few ways to help you to be intentional. I would suggest starting with one or two of these, and then add another one every few days or every week.

The first thing to do is choose to be kind. Don’t just be kind if someone else is nice to you, be kind even if someone is rude to you.

A second way is to choose what kind of media you consume. All types of media are filled with negativity and that can be very toxic, choose to fill your life with positive things instead. Be aware of how much you consume that is negative and try to surround yourself with positive things instead.

I also suggest doing self-reflections. Check in with yourself and see how you’re doing at the end of each day. You don’t need to write it down; you can just do it in your head.

Gratitude’s are another way to help yourself be intentional. Tell people that you are grateful for them, and mentally carry with you all of the things that you are thankful for.

The next way is to ask why before you buy things. Is this thing that I want to buy going to help me in some way, will it help me to be a better person? Can you afford this item? Is this snack good for me to eat, or is it junky processed food? You can still buy things just for fun! Just make sure you can afford it.

Lastly, question your “have to’s”. Sometimes you have to do things, but many times, we just feel like we need to do things so that we aren’t being rude. Ask yourself whether or not you really feel like you need to do something.

I would love to hear what you think about Being Intentional! Please send me a message on social media at @Jonesinfor or email me at spencer@spencermjones.com. Thanks!