“The quality of your commitments will determine the course of your life.” – Ralph Marston
Recently, I spoke to a room full of high school students on the topic of “Don’t Waste Your Life.” Among the advice that I gave them, I offered this nugget of truth: “Don’t just drift through life. Live with intention and purpose.” I believe that is one of the most important lessons that a person can learn—and the sooner we get it, the better.
Living a simple life certainly requires intentional living.
In a world that is hectic, busy, and hurried, simplicity is not. In a culture that encourages selfishness and excess, minimalist living does not. And in a society that is rushing to gain more, satisfaction with less is counter-cultural.
To begin living with intention, we must begin by laying a proper foundation and then add practical steps on top of it.
First, Lay the Foundation.
- Realize that your life is made up of choices. Every morning is a new day full of decisions and opportunities. You get to pick your attitude and your decisions. You don’t have to let the circumstances of your past negatively determine the pattern of your life in the future. You have a choice in the matter. You do not need to be stuck in the same pattern of living that you have been for years… realize that every morning is a new opportunity.
- Evaluate the culture that you’re swimming in. Life is not lived in a vacuum. It is lived surrounded by a culture that is moving somewhere. This culture around us forms a swift downstream current. Living with intention will require you to take a step back and evaluate the flow of the stream to determine where it is headed, how it is affecting you, and if it is taking you in a direction you desire.
- Examine yourself. Know who you are. Get a strong handle on your passions, talents, abilities, and weaknesses. Give precious time and energy to this endeavor. It is one of the most valuable things you can do.
Second, Add Practical Steps.
- Decide to live your life. Stop comparing yourself to others. You were not born to live their life. There is no sense in wasting yours being jealous of theirs. Instead, you were born to live your life – determine today to be good at it. After all, you only get one shot.
- Define a purpose. Identify what you want your life to communicate and contribute. Find a passion to live for that is bigger than yourself. Write it down. It will bring new meaning to your life. It will wake you from the slow death of only living for yourself.
- Set goals. Goals move us and goals shape us. Set goals that are directly in line with your defined purpose. By their very nature, they will introduce intentionality into your life.
- Stay focused. We live in a world of constant connectivity and distraction that is begging for our attention nearly every moment of the day. Learn to turn off the distraction and live your life instead. Turn off the tv and don’t read gossip magazines. Remove nonessential physical belongings that are robbing you of time and energy that could be better spent living with intention.
- Learn from others. Successful people are curious people. They possess the humility to learn from others. Identify people accomplishing your purpose and goals. Then, study them and learn from them.
The worst thing you could ever waste is your life. Instead, commit yourself to intentional living and living with purpose.
Tichy Robbins says
I enjoyed this article. As far as examining myself, learning who I am, could you please suggest a good book on how to do that precisely? Shouldn’t be rocket science, but I don’t know how to approach this…
Melissa says
Try The Search for Significance by Robert S McGee. It has made a huge difference for me. Have a great journey!
Cheri Myers says
as a Christian, I found “The Purpose Driven Life” the best book to help answer those questions. It covers quite a bit of that material based on the Bible. The expanded updated edition is titled “What on Earth Am I Here For”. I understand that this blog is followed by people that come from many places as far as faith is concerned but this has certainly helped me.
Susan says
I loved Parker Palmer’s Let Your Life Speak. If you don’t already, begin journal writing, as well. Start with just a few things you are grateful for and go from there. Journal writing allows you to reflect back on thoughts and feelings in a somewhat concrete way. You could write about what went well and what didn’t that day, who was a support, what did you learn, what are your hopes…all the best to you!
Jackie Nowell says
I agree, but it’s also wise to ‘keep in mind’ that “life sometimes happens when we’re making other plans’ and yes sometimes random stuff happens that we cannot control.
stepheos says
Thanks for the powerful word of advice. Now I know how to finish strong
Paul says
Great encouragement Mr. Becker. God bless you.
Simon says
Know thyself. Ancient wisdom that will eternally ring true.
Martha Martin says
Thank you for your website and Facebook post! It has helped me turn my life around. Instead of getting up every morning and feeling overwhelmed with all the ‘stuff’ I have to clean, I have decided to follow your advise and start cleansing my home. It is an amazing feeling, not to mention my outlook is so much happier and less cluttered and confused!
I’ve cleaned out the basement this week, next week it is the inside out h my home, one room at a time. I think the secret is don’t try to do it all at once, take your time and listen to your body and mind when you start getting to the point where you can’t let go, it’s time to take a break and start over another day!
Please keep up the advice and words of wisdom, qui try and share the ones that hit home for my friends on fb. I’ve had a lot of great feedback from others, going to do the same!
You are truly a blessing, my prayers and support is with you!
Thank you again!
Kevin Spatt says
Josh – I think I met you at MVC in Scottsdale a couple of years ago. I decided in April to drop a destructive habit and today the thought ‘Intentional Living’ crossed my path. I hadn’t thought about it but I realized that that is what I am doing now. And it is a beautiful thing. Thank you. Jesus is showing me how to be a Christian and a rebel at the same time. Very cool stuff……
Absolutely Tara says
This is a simple and to the point post that is full of truth. I love it. Thanks for sharing.
-Tara
http://absolutelytara.com
cocowednesdays says
Thank you for sharing. I started out this year of my life vowing to be intentional with my life, before I was just drifting waiting for things to happen and waiting for “signs”. Now, I’m working and moving and living…well trying the best I can for now. But it’s good to have guidance and practical advice along the way. Thanks!
Audrey says
Thank you Joshua for all your posts. I always look forward to reading them daily on FB. I’m working on minimizing my possessions. It’s not easy but I am enjoying the process.
I love this post!! The first point speaks to me so clearly and is one I’ve felt strongly about for years: “Realize that your life is made up of choices”. It seems that so many people don’t understand this. I run across people who aren’t happy at their job and I want to “scream” (well, maybe not that extreme) at them to do something else. They don’t have to stay where they are and make themselves and others around them, miserable. Kind regards – Audrey