Are You Intentional About Your Life Direction?

Are You Intentional About Your Life Direction?

Do you take time to reflect on your life and see if you are where you want to be? You could call this “checking in with yourself”. Some people take time daily to quiet themselves and pray or meditate or just reflect. This can help us prioritize what is important in our upcoming day. It can also be helpful to do this at transitional points in your life. I needed to do this as my life changed from student, to wife, to mother, to caregiver, teacher and coach. My purpose changed as did my focus. Was this where I wanted to go or was I just flowing with the way the tide took me? Was I being intentional? I see people get so caught up in what others tell them they should do or be that they forget what they want. This is easy in today’s world, we are so connected to social media and comparing ourselves to others that we may loose touch with what we want. It’s helpful to take time to tune your mind to yourself and not the outside world and its influences. Then once we get clear on what we want then what do we do about it?

Are you the type of person that just goes with the flow or are you a planner, setting goals and thinking about the future. Each type of person and philosophy has its benefits but studies have shown that those who set goals for themselves are more satisfied with their lives.

I see two steps and neither of them comes without effort but each step can lead to a more satisfying life.

1. Examine your heart and identify what you want.

2. Set small achievable goals that lead you to that life.

The goals motivate and challenge us and without them we lack focus. They also provide a way to measure your own success. When I decided to become a coach I needed training, experience, certification, marketing and each step took me closer to my goal. The caution comes when we become too rigid in achieving our goals. Those easy going people do have wisdom. If we set our goals too high then there will be unnecessary stress. Or if we can’t flex with the ups and downs of life then we again will feel discouraged. There may be times when a life challenge happens and we have to put that goal on the back burner. Take care of the immediate but don’t forget the goal.

Once we can get clear on what our hopes and dreams are for our lives. Henry David Thoreau said “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined”

By Lisa Strong