The Intentional Life: Breaking Free from Autopilot

Life is precious; each day is a gift, and we owe it to ourselves to live intentionally, not by default. Too many people are plodding through life, settling for whatever comes their way. Today, I’d love to share my thoughts on living with intention.

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A quick story: In 2012, I attended my first Tony Robbins event. I had just graduated from his Robbins Madanes Strategic Intervention coaching school. I was keen to see the Master of Coaching live. The event did not disappoint… this slightly reserved Brit let her hair down, danced, high-fived strangers, and walked on fire. At one point, Tony introduced some of his “Results Coaches” to the audience, a role I didn’t even know existed. I was inspired and committed to “be a Tony Robbins Results Coach” one day. It took a few years for the stars to line up, but in 2019, I passed the grueling Results Coach Academy and got hired as one of Tony’s elite coaches. I put my success down to committing to myself and being intentional in how I live my life.?

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What is Intentional Living?

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Intentional living is making choices that align with your deepest values, aspirations, and beliefs. It is about being the scriptwriter of your life story rather than a character pushed around by the plot of circumstances. You become the producer, the director, the scriptwriter, the A-list actor, and the stunt double in your very own extraordinary journey!?

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Intentional living is rooted in the understanding that our thoughts, actions, and attitudes shape our experiences. It’s a philosophy that encourages us to take the time to pause, reflect, and choose paths that lead to growth, happiness, and fulfillment. Most people are so busy with their chaotic, fast-paced lives that they don’t take the time to consider how they want to be living and who they want to become. The cost: missed opportunities, unfulfilled potential, drifting, regret, lack of satisfaction, peace, contentment, and a sense of purpose. The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way!

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Ten Ways to Live More Intentionally

? Setting clear goals and priorities: Define what truly matters to you. What are your non-negotiables?

? Cultivating mindfulness and presence: Slow down a little and learn to live each moment fully, embracing the now with open arms. Look for the gifts and opportunities that are all around you.?

? Embracing continuous learning and growth: My old boss, Tony Robbins, has a saying, “If you are not growing, you are dying.” Commit to regular personal and professional development.

? Fostering meaningful connections: The people you surround yourself with will either inspire you and raise you up or drag you down to their low standards. Create and invest in a peer group that uplifts and inspires you.

? Practicing gratitude and positivity: Your thoughts create your reality. Focus on the abundance in your life. Brain scan research shows this is good for your brain!

? Simplifying your life to focus on what truly matters: Living an overcomplicated life is common today. But beware, this spreads your focus thin and may mean you do a bad job of many things. Eliminate distractions that do not serve your ultimate goals.

? Taking consistent action: Having set goals and identified your core beliefs, make authentic decisions, and take consistent action towards your goals.?

? Regular self-reflection and adjustment: Continuously assess and realign your path. Notice what’s working and what’s not… then tweak the plan.?

? Cultivating health and wellbeing: The health of your body and mind greatly impacts your ability to live the life you desire. Prioritize physical, mental, and emotional health every single day.?

? Contributing positively to the world: Having created a more intentional life, consider paying it forward and making a difference in the lives of others and the planet.

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Living intentionally is not a destination but a daily practice. It involves choices, reflections, and actions aligned with your deepest values and aspirations. Overcoming common challenges on this path requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous self-improvement.

Embrace this transformative journey, and watch your life unfold in ways you never imagined possible.