By Teri O.
Being more intentional is one of those phrases that gets thrown around a lot, but when you break it down, it’s actually a very practical idea. It means making deliberate choices—acting because you decided to, not because you drifted into something out of habit, peer pressure, or distraction.
Modern life is complicated. Without intention, it’s easy to feel like your time, attention, and energy get pulled in every direction—often leaving your own needs behind. Living intentionally is a way of reclaiming some power over your life.
Intentional living is the practice of making a conscious choice about how you spend your time, energy, attention, and resources so your daily life aligns with your values, priorities, and long‑term vision. It’s the opposite of running on autopilot or reacting to whatever shows up.
If I had a “New Year intention,” I would like to be more intentional about helping people slow down and think more deeply before they rush to conclusions. The world moves fast, and conversations—especially online—tend to reward speed over reflection.
Core ideas that define intentional living:
- Clarity of values. You identify what truly matters to you—purpose, relationships, health, creativity, spirituality—and use those as your internal compass.
- Deliberate decision‑making. Instead of drifting through life, you choose actions, habits, and commitments that support the life you want to build.
- Awareness and presence. You pay attention to what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how you feel about it. This often involves mindfulness or reflection.
- Alignment between intentions and behavior. Your schedule, routine, and environment reflect your priorities rather than contradict them.
- Reduction of noise. You remove distractions, obligations, or patterns that pull you away from your purpose—whether that’s clutter, toxic relationships, or unhelpful habits.
- Growth and adaptability. Intentional living isn’t rigid. You adjust as your values mature or your circumstances change.
What intentional living looks like in everyday life:
- Choosing your priorities. You set boundaries that reflect those priorities and keep them straight.
- Aligning your actions with your values, not just your moods or impulses.
- Living with purpose, not speed. You check your phone because you want to, not because it buzzed.
- Pausing to take a breath before reacting. You speak or act thoughtfully instead of reacting instantly.
- Clarity before action. You consciously stop to consider why you’re doing something and how it supports your goals.
- Noticing patterns. You notice what drains you, what energizes you—and adjust your activities accordingly.
- Using your time wisely. You spend your time with people who matter, and activities that support your goals.
- Saying no more often. You’re not being selfish; you’re protecting your priorities.
To be more intentional about your goals in 2026, reflect on what kind of life you want to live and which values support that vision. What is most important to you? When your goals align with your values, they become more motivating, sustainable, and fulfilling.
I can’t emphasize this enough. Let your goals be guided by what truly matters to you. Ask yourself: What kind of life do I want to live? and Which values support that vision?
For example, if family is a core value, where could you be more intentional? Perhaps you could set aside weekly time for meaningful conversations with your siblings, or calling a faraway loved one each week.
By focusing on these aspects, you can create a powerful, intentional 2026 that aligns with your values and which leads to personal growth and well-being.
What’s something that you want to be more intentional about in 2026—your energy, your relationships, your ambitions, anything else?
