Apr
18

To Be or Not To Be … Intentional

Author Steven Cribbs    Category Life     Tags

So, I figured out that I am becoming intentional (click here to see the post).  I am not there yet; but, I am working on it.  Now, it’s your turn, are you becoming intentional?

Take a moment and think about the things you have done and the conversations you have had over the last few days.  Now, honestly think about which of those things you made a conscious effort to engage in and which ones just happened.  And, one more question, were there some things that fell short of your expectations – maybe things that you wish you would have been more intentional about?

fork in the road

So, you are at a fork in the road.  Will you, or will you not, be intentional?

The dictionary defines intention as “an act of determining mentally upon some action or result” or “a determination to act in a certain way.”  Steve Rowe wrote on his blog that being intentional is “to always make active, conscious decisions rather than just letting things happen.”  In other words, doing something on purpose.

Being intentional about something is a good thing, right?  If this is true, then why do we find that so many of our days slip by without doing the things we know we should be intentional about?

Just within my own daily routine, I see so many things that I want to be intentional about; but, through many varied excuses, I just let slip through the cracks.  Sometimes the reason is a lack of time.  Sometimes it is a lack of knowledge or skills.  Sometimes it is because I, deep down somewhere, wanted to avoid the issue.  And sometimes, it is just plain laziness.

It may be impossible to always be intentional with everything that we do.  But, if you are like me, there is at least one thing that you would like to do differently, one thing that you want to accomplish, one area of life that you would like to live more fully.

So, today, I want to encourage you to join me.  Join me in becoming intentional in at least one area of your life that currently needs purposeful attention.  Take a couple of minutes and, with these basic steps, let’s get started:

  • Identify the need and commit to do it
  • Create a plan – including when you will do it
  • Write it down
  • Tell someone about it
  • Start

For the full list of tips in being successful with being intentional, click to see the post.

Question:  What do you want to be more intentional with?  What is your plan and does it include starting today?  You can leave a comment below.

4 Comments to “To Be or Not To Be … Intentional”

  • Brandon April 18, 2011 at 10:58 am

    This is a great post, and I love the picture to go along with it! 🙂

    Being intentional is very important. Of course I am striving to be intentional with my relationships (relational evangelism), but I am also trying to be more intentional with school. I need to study a lot this week (finals week)!

    • Steven Cribbs April 18, 2011 at 11:08 am

      I think relationships is one area in which many of us forget to be intentional – or we don’t realize how much work it really takes. I am working to be more intentional in this area as well.

      Good luck on your finals this week.

      • Brandon April 18, 2011 at 7:33 pm

        Definitely! And thanks! I’m gonna be so glad when it’s over! haha

  • Weekender Links – 4/23/11 | MyOneResolution April 22, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    […] Becoming intentional. […]

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