How To Create An Intentional Career: Being Mindful With Your Most Valuable Asset
Kevin D. Leasure
Want to Lead with Impact? | Follow for Actionable Strategies | Seasoned Project Manager & Thought Leader With 10+ Years Experience
Who’s in Charge: You or Your Career?
How much of your life do you spend planning your career versus simply living it?
Really think about it.
Here’s a hard truth: Most people spend more time editing a selfie before posting it than they do contemplating and planning the direction of their careers.
They agonize over filters and captions for a few likes, but when it comes to the choices that will shape the next ten — or twenty — years of their lives, they go with the flow.
Your career isn’t something that just “happens” to you.
These things compound over time in ways no single paycheck ever could.
Your career determines so much of your life. The opportunities you’ll have. The lifestyle you’ll lead. Even the relationships you’ll build.
And here’s the good news — it’s not just some uncontrollable force.
When you see your career as just a job, a boss, and a series of tasks to check off, you’re missing the bigger picture. Your career isn’t just a part of life — it’s a vehicle for creating the life you want.
Practically every factor that shapes your career is something you can influence. How your resume is written, the roles you target and accept, the skills you build, the people you connect with — they’re all choices.
But here’s the catch: If you’re not steering, your career will drift wherever the tides of circumstance take it.
The question is, are you okay with that?
Wouldn’t it be better to take the wheel and start driving toward something that matters to you?
A Career is a Powerful Asset
When you think about your biggest asset, what comes to mind?
Your house?
A retirement fund?
Maybe an investment portfolio?
For most people, these are the default answers. But let’s step back for a moment.
What is it that pays the mortgage, funds your investments, and builds the life you’re living today?
It’s your career.
For most of us, our career isn’t just an asset — it’s the asset that fuels every other part of life. And it’s not just about the salary. It’s about the opportunities your career creates: the people you meet, the skills you develop, the doors it opens.
These things compound over time in ways no single paycheck ever could.
But only if you treat your career as the dynamic, powerful resource that it is.
When you see your career as just a job, a boss, and a series of tasks to check off, you’re missing the bigger picture. Your career isn’t just a part of life — it’s a vehicle for creating the life you want.
It can be the bridge to financial freedom, the platform for personal growth, or the gateway to a more fulfilling lifestyle.
But here’s the thing —
An asset only works if you work it. Left unchecked, it can just as easily become a liability, draining your energy and robbing you of opportunities.
The question isn’t whether your career is an asset — the question is whether you’re using it like one.
What’s the life you want to build? Freedom, security, impact? Your career can be the engine that drives you there. But only if you fuel it with intention.
Tell Your Career Where It’s Going, or End Up Wherever It Takes You
It’s easy to unintentionally let your career drift, especially when life feels chaotic or uncertain.
But here’s the truth: no matter where you are in your career — whether you’re just starting out, facing a setback, or feeling stuck — you have more control than you think.
Taking control doesn’t require a perfect plan.
It starts with a mindset: knowing where you eventually want to be and working backward to figure out the steps that will take you there.
Call it reverse-engineering your goals.
Call it being mindful.
The key is recognizing that even small, intentional actions can shape your path.
Here are some tangible ways to start steering your career:
Write a Resume That Works for You:
A resume isn’t just a list of past jobs — it’s your first chance to market yourself.
Learn to tailor it to each role you apply for, highlighting the skills and accomplishments that align with the job description.
Spend time researching what elements and formatting make up an outstanding resume.
If you're interested in taking a closer look at what your resume should (or shouldn't) do and several tips on how to avoid resume pitfalls, check out my article 'Don't Overthink Your Resume'.
Learn to Market Yourself:
Marketing yourself starts with building the self-awareness to recognize your unique value. What are the skills, traits, or experiences that make you stand out?
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Once you understand what you bring to the table, the next step is having the confidence to champion it.
Think of every interaction — whether on LinkedIn, at a networking event, or in a casual conversation — as an opportunity to communicate your story.
It’s not about bragging; it’s about showing others the value you can offer.
What’s your personal brand? What’s the one thing you want people to remember about you after 30 seconds?
When you learn to sell yourself authentically, you stop waiting for opportunities to find you — and start creating them instead.
Sharpen Interview Skills:
Skills like public speaking, clear communication, and active listening are invaluable.
Practice telling your career story in a way that demonstrates your intentional growth, achievements, vision, and potential.
Salary and benefits negotiation isn’t just about asking for more — it’s about knowing your value. It’s about knowing what and how to ask for instead of just asking for the sake of asking.
Research industry benchmarks, understand your leverage, and practice advocating for yourself with confidence.
Leverage Relationships:
Build and nurture connections with mentors, colleagues, and peers.
Ask for advice, seek mentorship, and stay curious. Learn to ask more questions than you assert your opinions or knowledge.
Often, the right conversation can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Invest in Learning:
Identify the skills you need to grow into your dream role. Whether it’s taking a public speaking course, learning a software program, or earning a certification, skill-building is always within your control.
Remember — YouTube is free and accessible to just about everyone.
And here’s the big secret:
The process of goal-setting doesn’t just move you closer to where you want to be — it changes how you see yourself.
When you set clear goals, you give yourself direction and purpose.
It’s not just about knowing where you’re headed but about learning what opportunities you need to create or seize along the way.
Want to land your dream job in five years?
Break it down.
What skills will you need?
What roles should you aim for next?
What rooms do you need to be in?
What relationships can you cultivate to support your journey?
Remember, every career is built one decision at a time. It’s not about getting it all perfect today. It’s about being mindful, taking control of what’s within your reach, and stacking those small wins into something bigger.
So, think about it and then ask yourself — what’s the first move you’ll make?
Final Thoughts
Every choice you’ve made has brought you to this moment.
Every project you’ve taken on, every opportunity you’ve pursued — or passed up — has added a brushstroke to the picture of your career.
The question isn’t whether you have a career; it’s whether you’re thinking about it intentionally.
Your career is more than a paycheck or a job title.
It’s your greatest asset — your vehicle for creating the life you want.
But like any asset, it only grows if you invest in it. The time, energy, and effort you put into honing your skills, building relationships, and seizing opportunities are what transform work from a daily grind into something far greater — a bridge to your aspirations.
You don’t need to have all the answers today — nobody does.
Every action you take, no matter how small, is a vote for the kind of life you want to build.
Are you showing up as someone who’s ready to grow, to lead, to make an impact? Or are you letting the current pull you along, hoping it takes you somewhere worthwhile?
The good news is that it’s never too late to take control.
No matter where you’ve been, you can always decide where you’re going.
Start setting goals, learning skills, and creating the opportunities that align with the life you want.
Be intentional and treat your career as the asset it is, and you will meaningfully create the life only you can imagine.
Further Reading
If you enjoyed this article and want to read more of my insights on leadership and career advice, follow me on Medium at medium.com/@thekevinleasure. Your support means a lot to me, and I look forward to engaging with you there!