Just because your busy, doesn’t mean you’re productive. You could have a lot going on in your life. You could be involved in many things and be doing them because you like, or even love, them. And there is value in that. And yet, if there is a specific place you want to go and a specific time you want to be there, then a little more Intentionality might be in order.
Being Intentional
As an Intentional Coach(TM), my coaching revolves around my clients’ forward movement toward the outcomes they have set for this stage of their lives. Being Intentional is ‘Outcome-focused’. Being Intentional is setting and following a series of pre-planned steps that will move you toward those outcomes. Being Intentional is not just setting goals and action plans, but having those checkpoints and steps set in context to the larger picture of where you are going and why you are going there. This crucial part ensures the inspiration and motivation will be there to help you execute your plan. Being Intentional means that you are able to measure at any given point along the way how you are doing and what progress you’re making. Remember, if you can’t measure it you can’t manage it.
Action vs. Movement
If you are that person doing a lot and maybe not feeling like you are getting as far as you would like, reflect on this. Maybe you are putting in a lot of effort and hard work believing you are on a nice two-wheel bike heading toward your destination, while you are really pumping hard on a stationary exercise bike with your eyes closed not going anywhere at all.
Now don’t get me wrong. Many people can accomplish many great outcomes by working out on a stationary exercise bike. If you want to improve your cardiovascular system, burn fat, or improve your lower body fitness, that is one great way to go. But if you want to get all those benefits while riding to work or being outdoors and seeing the countryside, that is probably not the vehicle to use.
Measurable Movement requires a clear picture of the outcome desired and choosing the right vehicle that will ensure forward motion toward that Vision.
Life is Harmonizing Intentionality and Spontaneity
Life is NOT supposed to be all work and no play. Even I believe you can’t be Intentional all the time. Life is about creating harmony between all aspects of your life so you experience peace and joy with your productivity. Don’t try for balance, that is an illusion. It is impossible. Strive, in the best sense of the word, for harmony within all nine areas of your life. And do that in the most Intentional way possible. What that means is if you are stressed and overworked, Intentionally take time to play in the garden or relax in front of the TV for a good movie–be spontaneous. When you are refreshed, review where you want to be and why you want to be there, determine the next action step to take that will create movement forward toward your outcome, choose the best vehicle that will help you create that forward momentum, and then go. Make sure you can look back on your actions and be able to measure the progress you made. Celebrate the progress and choose the next action step. Always ask yourself, ‘what is my next action step’? All this while also being mindful of the harmony you are working to establish in your life.
Intentional and Productive is not Always Easy
This process may sound overwhelming, or like very hard work. It really isn’t. It may sound that way because it is foreign to the way you operate your life now. Being Intentional is a skill like any skill–it takes time to understand and master but gets better and easier over time. And, the rewards are tangible and substantial. Try it, you’ll like it. And if you need help, reach out for some coaching.