From Good Intentions to Intentional Living
By Rhonda Began, BEd, Living Wholehearted Executive & Sabbatical Coach
I LOVE a new planner. A new year. A restart. Blank pages full of possibilities. I have good intentions—reminders, plans, goals, and dreams—all with the hope that they will not just be written down but realized in the space of this new year.
I start with the best of intentions. I plan to stick to my schedule. I’m going to complete that project I’ve been putting off. I will prioritize the people who matter most to me. But there is a difference between having good intentions and living intentionally. Good intentions often remain as thoughts in our minds or hopes for a positive outcome. Living intentionally requires something more deliberate and purposeful.
Dream & Vision
Before you start filling up that white space in your calendar, take time to ask yourself what you want to accomplish this year—and what you are dreaming that needs to move from your head and heart into a real, tangible plan. Think broader than work. When you look back at the end of the year, what do you want to have prioritized in your life, your most important relationships, and your growth as a wholehearted leader?
Rhythms of Planning, Goal Setting, and Review
Establish—or refine—your rhythms for planning and organizing weekly and monthly goals. Be sure your process includes time to review and evaluate your progress (or lack of it). If you feel stuck, find someone who does this well and learn from them.
Small & Doable Goals
Good intentions often begin with lofty goals that quickly become overwhelming or unachievable when stress or unexpected circumstances arise. Setting a few small, doable goals—ones that can be completed within a week—can lead to meaningful progress over time.
Accountability
Inviting someone to help you stay on track can dramatically move you from good intentions to intentional living. An accountability partner helps you stay focused, asks good questions, and offers honest feedback—all of which increase follow-through.
Consider Coaching
So many leaders are caught in the weeds of what must be done immediately. Can you relate to the “tyranny of the urgent”? Dreaming and vision can feel overwhelming—or even indulgent—when there is so much demanding attention right now. Consider investing in a coach who is trained to come alongside you, helping you explore and clarify your vision, dream with purpose, and then identify practical steps to move those dreams into reality.
King Solomon, known for both his wisdom and accomplishments, writes this in Proverbs 21:5:
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (ESV)
(Note: The ESV version may fit this reflective, leadership-focused piece best, though The Message offers a more conversational tone.)
Wholehearted leaders live purposefully in all areas of their lives. What is your next step in moving from good intentions to intentional living?
If you need more resources or would like support in learning this way of leadership, connect with Rhonda for leadership or sabbatical coaching.
Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation HERE.