At Moxie, our focus is to help our clients live a life of intention. To us, this means living a better-balanced life full of meaning and purpose. But how does a person go about doing that? Here are a few ways we can break that down:

Set aside some time to think

First and foremost, set aside some time to think. Life is about choices. We all have choices regarding each activity we choose to do. But since we are creatures of habit, we often start down a path and then repeat that path without thinking, out of the comfort of familiarity. Let me ask you this; which way do you drive to work? Have you taken a different route in the last five years? Have you sometimes gotten to work lost in thought—because you could do that route in your sleep? It is as though we unconsciously stop choosing.

Evaluate your career choice

How you drive to work is a remedial example. But how about the work itself? Does it bring you joy? Do you find meaning? Does it allow you to display your highest level of skill? Sometimes people spend an extra year in the wrong job or career. Sometimes they spend decades. I once had a client who had worked at a major company for 15 years. She finally quit, and for the first six months after she left, she physically got sick when she drove by the building. Think and make choices.

Prioritize what’s important

On a broader life level, it is important to prioritize that which is most important to you. Most people focus on family, friends, work, and health. Your first project is to create a clear picture in your mind about what outcome you would like to achieve in each category. But then, give some thought as to HOW you are going to do it. Inevitably, it is going to force you to prioritize. Because is the nugget of wisdom I would like to impart on you: YOU CANNOT DO IT ALL. People say that, but the reality is that doing it all will make you way less effective in each category. And it will likely bring up your anxiety level as you try to manage this mythical, perfect life.

Make choices that align with your values

I’ll give you a recent personal example. I recently paid to attend a retreat on leadership. It was a quick, half-day retreat, which cost a fair amount of money. I then found out my daughter needed to get picked up from college that same day. For me, family is more important than my personal development. I canceled and picked up my daughter. This doesn’t mean my choice is right. It just fit my values. When values are clear, decisions are easy.

Ruthlessly cut out commitments that don’t enhance your life

Next on the list, declutter. Don’t we all feel like there are a hundred things going on at the same time? But as you start to be intentional with your outcomes and prioritize what you value, the next step is to start cutting out the things that take your time but don’t enhance your life.

When decluttering gets hard

Sometimes cutting things out is hard. The analogy I use is cleaning out your closet. How would we get down to the bare minimum of things that fit well, look good, and we really like to wear? The first things are easy. What haven’t I worn in years and really don’t like? Throw those out. There is also a group that comprises your go-to favorites. Maybe your best pair of jeans, etc. Those are the save pile. But how about the pile of things you really like but haven’t worn in forever? Or, maybe the clothes I keep in case I get fat again (sorry, too personal?). The question I ask myself about this pile is, “If I didn’t already own this, how much would I pay for it?” That helps me chuck a good amount of the rest.

Start saying “no”

It’s not like we are robots and always on, focused on goals. But there are things on your value list that are important. And I know you don’t feel like you have time to do them. Start by cutting out the easy time wasters (insert screen time). Those are easy things—aside from the loss of dopamine. Next level; stop saying yes to everything. Start saying no to most things. Most things don’t provide a sense of meaning and purpose, and most things will take up and further waste your time. Start to look at life with a different lens. Think, “Is this activity the best use of my time? Does it fit into my values priority?” People won’t hate you for saying no. They will often further respect you for having such a strong set of values.

Live a life you’re proud of

The big part of living with intention is that we have limited time. This becomes more and more apparent with each passing year. No one will care how nice your car or house was in the end. They will care about the impact you made on their lives. A phone call, a happy hour, a vacation, time. Don’t look back and say, “I wish I would have.” Look back and say, “I’m glad I did.”

 

5665089IR/DOFU 5-2023