Last Updated on April 23, 2025 by Jess Brown
Sometimes in life, we find ourselves drifting on autopilot. Perhaps it’s a pattern of reacting to the demands of daily life without much thought or direction.
We may feel like we’re constantly overwhelmed, caught in endless tasks and commitments, but not really making progress towards what we truly want. This can happen when we’re not fully aligned with our core values and long-term goals.
We might not always be aware of how our daily habits impact us, but we end up feeling stuck, or perhaps even disheartened by the lack of meaningful progress.
In this post, we’ll explore how to break free from this cycle and embrace a life of intentional living. It’s about taking a step back to reflect, realign, and make choices that truly resonate with who we are.
Let’s dive into practical steps to live a life that is not just busy but deeply fulfilling and aligned with your values.
What is Intentional Living?
This year, I took a leap into intentional living, and let me tell you—it has been nothing short of transformative. Intentional living isn’t just a trend; it’s a profound shift in how we approach our everyday existence.
It invites us to step out of the shadows of autopilot and into purposeful action.
Intentional living is about making intentional choices, rather than being swept along by the currents of life. It’s about asking ourselves, “What truly matters to me?” and then allowing our actions to align with those values.
It’s about being present in every moment. It’s about living here and now rather than getting lost in the noise of what could be or what should have been.
When we live intentionally, we create a space for clarity and fulfilment to thrive.
On the other hand, living unintentionally feels like a never-ending stream of obligations and reactions. When we’re not conscious of our choices, we can easily become overwhelmed, forever reacting to external pressures and societal expectations.
We find ourselves stuck in a cycle of busyness that leaves us feeling unproductive and uncertain. It’s like being on autopilot, where every day blends into the next without a clear sense of direction or purpose.
Discovering Your Core Values
To live intentionally is to honour the very essence of who we are. But to do so, we first need to uncover and understand our core values – those profound beliefs that silently steer our choices and actions.
Begin by reflecting on those moments when you felt most alive and genuine. What were you doing? Who were you with? These are the clues that hint at your core values.
Core Values Journaling Exercise
Grab a journal and let your thoughts flow freely. Write about the principles you hold dear, the values that drive your passion, and the things that feel aligned, like two pieces of a puzzle fitting just right.
One powerful method to uncover your core values is the “values clarification technique.” List all the values that matter to you, then sift through them to identify your top two.
Yes, just two.
This process helps crystallise what truly resonates with you and what you stand for.
Once you’ve pinpointed your core values, it’s time to dive deeper with a few reflective questions taken from Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead.” For each of your two core values, ask yourself:
- What are the three behaviours that support this value?
- What are the three behaviours that go against it?
- Can you recall a time when you truly aligned with this value?
These questions help you understand not only how to live in harmony with your values but also how to recognise when you’re veering off course.
Aligning Your Actions with Your Values
Once you’ve identified your core values, the next step is to align your actions with them. This alignment means ensuring that your daily choices reflect your deepest beliefs.
It’s about living with intention, where each decision is a conscious reflection of what truly matters to you. Begin by setting intentional goals that are anchored in your values.
For instance, if kindness is a core value, make it a point to engage in acts of kindness regularly. This could be as simple as offering a genuine compliment, helping a neighbour, or volunteering your time.
Be mindful in your decision-making; ask yourself if each choice supports your values.
Practical examples include prioritising time with loved ones if family is a value or committing to sustainable practices if environmental consciousness is important to you.
If creativity is one of your core values, carve out time for artistic pursuits.
If health is a priority, make choices that support your physical and mental well-being.
Here’s How to Troubleshoot:
- Start by Taking a Step Back and Examining Your Daily Habits.
Are they aligned with your values and long-term goals? It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and lose sight of what’s truly important. Try keeping a journal to track how you spend your time and how it makes you feel.
Reflect on your actions at the end of each day – did they bring you closer to living your values?
- Set Small, Achievable Goals and Reflect on Them Regularly.
It’s not about the big, grand gestures but the small, consistent actions that truly reflect your values. Each choice you make is a step towards living a life that honours who you are at your core.
Celebrate your progress, no matter how minor it may seem. Each step taken in alignment with your values is a victory.
- Practice Mindfulness to Increase Awareness of Your Thoughts and Actions.
Mindfulness helps you stay grounded and present, making it easier to make choices that reflect your values. Consider creating a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day. Your morning routine doesn’t have to be elaborate; it can be as simple as a few moments of quiet reflection, a short meditation, or writing down your intentions for the day.
Starting your day with purpose can help you stay aligned with your values throughout the day.
- Learn to Say No.
It might seem simple, but the act of declining activities or commitments that don’t align with your values can be profoundly liberating. When you say no to things that drain your energy or clash with your core beliefs, you create space for what truly matters.
This might mean turning down social invitations that don’t bring you joy or refusing additional work responsibilities that overwhelm you.
- Create Boundaries For Yourself.
Boundaries protect your time and energy, allowing you to focus on what truly nourishes your soul. Imagine your life as a garden – without boundaries, it would be overrun with weeds. But with careful attention and a clear perimeter, you can cultivate a space where your values and dreams can flourish. Setting boundaries might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to putting others’ needs before your own.
Remember, every time you prioritise your well-being, even in little ways, you’re honouring your commitment to living intentionally.
Overcoming Challenges in Intentional Living
Living intentionally is not without its challenges. It requires constant effort and mindfulness, especially when faced with external pressures, societal expectations, and even our own ingrained habits.
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These obstacles can often make it difficult to stay true to our values, but recognising them is the first step towards overcoming them.
It’s okay to struggle and to feel like you’re not always living up to your values. This journey is not about perfection but about progress and intention.
There will be days when it feels challenging, and that’s okay. What matters is your commitment to realigning with your values when you stray.
Living in alignment with your values is a continuous practice. It requires patience and self-compassion.
But the reward is a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. You’ll find that the more you align your actions with your values, the more at peace you feel with yourself and the world around you.
An Emotion Code session can be a valuable tool in this journey. You can book one with Jess HERE. Often, we’re held back by trapped emotions that cloud our judgement and keep us stuck in patterns that don’t serve us.
By identifying and releasing these emotional blocks, you can clear the path to a more authentic and intentional life. Imagine peeling away layers of old hurts and fears, revealing the true, radiant self beneath.
This process can help you align your actions with your deepest values and desires, making it easier to navigate the challenges of intentional living.
Journal Prompts to Design an Intentional Life
To help you on your journey towards intentional living, here are some reflective questions and exercises to journal about:
- What are my top two core values?
Take a moment to sit quietly with yourself and reflect on the principles that light up your soul and give your life meaning. Is it honesty, kindness, creativity, freedom, or perhaps growth?
Identifying these values is the first step in living a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
- How do my daily actions reflect these values?
Consider how your everyday choices and behaviours align with your core values. Are you honouring them through your actions, or do you find yourself straying away?
It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but intentional living calls us to be mindful and deliberate. Notice the small ways you can bring your values into your daily routine.
- What changes can I make to better align my life with my values?
Reflect on areas of your life where there is a disconnect between your actions and your values. What adjustments can you make to bridge this gap? It might be setting healthier boundaries, prioritising self-care, or letting go of habits that no longer serve you.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and persistence, you can create a life that truly reflects who you are.
- Write about a time when you felt truly aligned with your values. What made that experience special?
Think back to a moment when you felt in complete harmony with your values. Perhaps it was a time when you stood up for what you believe in, helped someone in need, or pursued a passion wholeheartedly.
Write about this experience in detail. What emotions did you feel? What made it so meaningful? Reliving these moments can inspire and guide you in your intentional living journey.
- Set a goal for the next month that aligns with one of your core values and outline steps to achieve it.
Choose one of your core values and set a specific, achievable goal related to it. Break down the steps you need to take to reach this goal. For instance, if kindness is one of your values, you might set a goal to volunteer once a week.
Outline the steps: researching opportunities, scheduling your time, and following through. Having a clear plan will help you stay committed and see your values come to life.
- How do I define success, and how does this definition align with my core values?
Success can mean different things to different people. Take a moment to define what success looks like for you. Is it about achieving certain milestones, fostering meaningful relationships, or simply feeling content and at peace?
Reflect on how this definition aligns with your core values and consider if any adjustments are needed to live more intentionally.
- Who inspires me to live intentionally, and what qualities do they embody?
Think about the people who inspire you to live a life of purpose and intention. What qualities do they have that resonate with you? Perhaps it’s their resilience, compassion, or unwavering commitment to their values.
Reflecting on these qualities can provide insights and motivation for your own journey.
- When faced with a difficult decision, how can I ensure it aligns with my core values?
Life is full of tough choices, and it’s crucial to navigate them with intention. When you’re confronted with a difficult decision, take a step back and consider how each option aligns with your core values.
Trust that by staying true to your values, you’ll make choices that honour your authentic self.
- What daily habits can I cultivate to reinforce my commitment to intentional living?
Consistency is key to living intentionally. Identify daily habits that can reinforce your values and keep you grounded. This might include mindfulness practices, journaling, or setting aside time for activities that nourish your soul. Small, consistent actions can lead to profound changes over time.
Even More Reading On This Topic:
- 15 Life-Changing Journal Writing Prompts to Boost Your Mental Health and Manifest Your Dreams
- Growth Mindset Definition: 7 Unconventional Ways to Rewire Your Brain for Success
- 10 Powerful Self Care Quotes to Celebrate International Self-Care Day (Plus Expert Tips for Daily Practice)
FAQ: Deepening Your Understanding of Intentional Living
Unexpected changes can challenge our intentional living practices, but they also offer opportunities for growth. In times of crisis, return to your core values as an anchor. They can guide your decisions and help you maintain a sense of purpose. Practice adaptability by viewing challenges through the lens of your values. For instance, if ‘resilience’ is a core value, ask yourself how you can embody resilience in this new situation. Remember, intentional living isn’t about controlling every aspect of life, but about responding to life’s unpredictability with purpose and alignment to your true self.
Staying true to your values in the face of societal pressure is a testament to intentional living. First, recognize that societal norms are often arbitrary and don’t necessarily align with what’s best for individuals or communities. When you encounter conflicts, take time to reaffirm your core values and why they’re important to you. Practice assertiveness in expressing your choices, and be prepared to educate others about your perspective. Remember, every time you choose your values over societal expectations, you’re not only living authentically but also paving the way for others to do the same. This might involve making unconventional choices in career, lifestyle, or relationships. It’s about having the courage to define success and fulfillment on your own terms, even when it goes against the grain. By doing so, you contribute to a more diverse, authentic society where individual values are respected and celebrated.
Absolutely! In fact, intentional living can enhance spontaneity and joy. When you’re clear about your values, you can make spontaneous decisions that align with your authentic self more easily. If ‘adventure’ is a core value, you might find yourself more open to unexpected opportunities for exploration. Intentional living isn’t about rigid planning, but about making choices – even spontaneous ones – that resonate with your true self. It’s about being fully present in moments of fun, rather than engaging in activities that don’t truly fulfill you.
Even in structured environments, there’s room for intentional living. Focus on what you can control: your responses, attitudes, and the meaning you assign to your work. Align your work with your values by finding ways to incorporate them into your daily tasks. If ‘creativity’ is a core value, look for innovative approaches to your responsibilities. Practice mindfulness to stay present and engaged. Additionally, use your values to guide career decisions, potentially leading you to roles that better align with your authentic self.
Navigating relationships with differing values requires balance and understanding. Start by clearly defining your own boundaries based on your core values. Practice empathy and active listening to understand others’ perspectives without compromising your own beliefs. Look for common ground where possible. In some cases, you may need to limit certain relationships if they consistently conflict with your values. However, exposure to diverse viewpoints can also enrich your life and challenge you to refine and strengthen your own values.
Teaching intentional living to children is about guiding them to discover their own values rather than imposing yours. Model intentional living in your own life and explain your decision-making process to them. Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions about their choices and feelings. Create a safe space for them to explore different values and ideas. Help them identify their own core values through age-appropriate activities and discussions. Remember, the goal is to equip them with the tools to live intentionally, not to live according to your specific values.
Conclusion on Intentional Living
In conclusion, intentional living is a powerful way to create a life that is true to who you are. By discovering your core values, aligning your actions, overcoming challenges, and practising mindfulness, you can live a more intentional and fulfilling life.
Remember, this journey is personal and unique to you. Start small, be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Now it’s your turn to reflect on intentional living. In the comments below, share one core value that guides your life and a specific way you’ve aligned your actions with this value recently. Your experience might just be the inspiration someone else needs to take their first step towards a more intentional life. Let’s create a community of support and inspiration for intentional living!
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