As we have already shared this month – our theme for the 3rd quarter is Relax and Reset. Today I want to dig into what it means to Be Intentional With Your Reset.
Intentionality is a topic I usually revisit at the beginning of the year, when we are setting goals and our vision for what the new year ahead has to hold. However, I feel a discussion about Resetting would not be complete without acknowledging without Intentional Action, a reset won’t work.
While I’ve been traveling for relaxation, getting plenty of sun on the East Coast where I’ve hung out with friends and spent most of my beach days, I’ve had the opportunity to consider what my intentional actions will be for the remainder of the year and have had a few conversations with friends on what they are planning for the remainder of the year.
A theme has emerged > Reset = Change.
For some, change is exciting. For others, change is scary. I do believe that with intentional action we can bravely face change. With intentional action we can remove some of the “scary” because we are choosing our path rather than letting things happen to us or others dictating our path.
Intentionality as a competency within the Self-Management Quadrant of Social+Emotional Intelligence according to the Institute for Social+Emotional Intelligence® is defined as “thinking and acting ‘on purpose’ and deliberately; knowing what it takes to control your own outcomes, your own destiny”.
According to ISEI® people who are strong in the competency of Intentionality:
Make decisions and take action in a manner consistent with their goals and values
Manage distractions and keep focused on their objectives
Make a consistent effort to bring about the things they want to make happen
Are clear about what they want to make happen in their lives, in their careers, in a particular week, or in a particular meeting
Act deliberately to achieve the outcomes they want
If you were to perform a quick self-assessment for each of the 5 statements above, how would you do? How are you with Intentionality?
Resetting with Intentionality
When we’re resetting, it does not indicate that everything needs to change or what was before is not valuable and good.
Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance. ~ Eckert Tolle
When we begin our reset from a place of appreciation, we can focus our energy on building from what we have.
As I referenced before, Reset = Change. To be able to reset with intentionality, you must first consider what behavior you need to change to accomplish your desired outcome. Once you know the outcome and the behavior that needs to be adjusted, the next step is getting intentional about it.
Getting intentional is challenging because we all have good intentions, but many times life or circumstances can get in the way. The best way to navigate what life might be throwing you while you are trying to be intentional is to start carving out small chunks of time to work on your goals.
I’m a big believer that if it’s not in the calendar it won’t get done. If you’re using a paper calendar, make time each day by putting the action you will be taking. If you use an electronic calendar, schedule an appointment with yourself to get it done.
If you find you don’t have the time, spend time on looking at what else is in your calendar. Ask for help from a partner or a colleague, delegate to a team-member, engage other household members for the household tasks – do something to make the time. If you struggle with asking for help, revisit our recent blog post on “It’s OK to Ask for Help”.
Do whatever you can to get intentional. Jen Sincero said it best when it comes to not taking the action we need to change our lives.
If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse. ~Jen Sincero
What areas are you serious about changing during your reset? If you keep finding excuses, consider how you can overcome what’s stopping you from taking intentional action.
Other Blogs you may want to read focused on Intentionality.
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