The Art of Becoming – Chapter 4
Living With Intention
In my experience with others, I find that a lot of people feel time eludes them quickly, and they often find themselves drifting through their days. Many people react to whatever comes their way rather than actively shaping their path. This can cause monotony in their daily life and can make them feel like there is nothing ahead to look forward to. Living with intention is about taking control of your life by making conscious, deliberate choices that align with your values and aspirations. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive and ensuring that the life you’re living is truly your own.
The idea of living with intention is often idealized in self-help spaces, portrayed as the key to a fulfilling life. But it’s more than just setting goals or following a structured plan. It’s a profound commitment to live deliberately in each moment. To shape your life not by chance or convenience, but through mindful, thoughtful action. It means being deeply aware of your inner world and bringing that awareness into how you live, so that what you do, how you do it, and why you do it all stem from conscious choice, not habit or impulse.
In modern life, we are swept along, busy yet unfulfilled. Living intentionally is not about adding more to your plate or striving harder for external markers of success. It is about removing the unnecessary, shedding the distractions, and focusing only on what is essential for your well-being and growth.
We currently live in a culture of constant consumption, there is a dangerous allure to always striving for more—more success, more productivity, more possessions. But to live intentionally (and happily) we must ask ourselves: What do I truly need? What brings me peace, not just in the moment, but in the long term? This shift in perspective is crucial. It invites us to consider what is sustainable in our lives, not just what is currently desirable.
One of the most immediate ways to start living intentionally is to begin to align your actions with your values. If you value health, for example, you can begin by integrating movement into your day. This doesn’t require hours at the gym or drastic changes, just a conscious decision to make space for physical well-being. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, take a walk after lunch, or make a decision to prepare meals that nourish rather than indulge. It’s small actions like these that, when done consistently, begin to accumulate into a life that is intentionally lived.
Start to prioritize activities that rejuvenate you, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or seeking solitude to reconnect with yourself. The more you fill your days with activities that align with your values, the more energized and motivated you will feel.
Another critical component of living intentionally is boundary-setting. It will be infinitely helpful to create boundaries in your life, especially around technology and social media. The constant barrage of limitless information and the infinite doom-scrolling can drain your time and energy, leaving you feeling scattered and unfocused. It can also distort your sense of self as you begin to compare your life to curated images of the lives of others. Over time, you may start to lose touch with who you truly are, becoming influenced by content that’s often fabricated or exaggerated.
One practical step is limiting your screen time throughout your day and use time you would typically be on your phone to read, reflect, or engage in creative pursuits. Reclaiming your attention allows you to reclaim your focus and your life. Do not fall for the instant gratification of social media. It does not exist.
Prioritization is equally important. When we say “yes” to everything, we dilute our time and energy, leaving little for what truly matters. Living with intention means being discerning about where you place your focus. It may involve narrowing your goals, simplifying your routines, or reassessing your long-term vision. It’s not about rigid rules, but about the flexibility to let go of what no longer serves you and the openness to embrace what does.
Living with intention also means having the courage to embrace discomfort. We live in a culture that seeks comfort and certainty, but the truth is that growth, authenticity, and fulfillment are born out of discomfort. To live intentionally requires the willingness to face difficult choices, to confront fears, and to act despite uncertainty. It is through this discomfort that we expand our capacity for resilience and creativity.
Lastly, living with intention means embracing change. Life is fluid, and as we grow, our values, priorities, and dreams evolve. Reflection is essential. Ask yourself regularly: Are my actions still aligned with my values? Revisiting your intentions ensures you’re not drifting off course. Journaling can help; write down your thoughts, your wins, your struggles. This process makes the intangible more tangible and helps you stay connected to your inner compass.
Living intentionally doesn’t promise a perfect life or a life free of difficulty. But it does promise a life that feels real, grounded, and meaningful. When you make conscious decisions, choose your focus, and act in alignment with your values, you begin crafting a life that is authentically your own. The more intentional you become, the more fulfilling and vibrant your life will feel.
This isn’t a journey toward a fixed destination but an ongoing process of alignment. Nothing is instant. Every small decision, every mindful act, adds up to a life that feels fully lived.
I urge you to ask yourself:
Do my daily activities reflect my core values?
Are my decisions moving me closer to my long-term goals?
Am I spending my time on things that truly matter to me?
Brooke Desieus 