Chapter 1: Understanding Intentional Living

What actions are you taking to reach your desired destination in life? This question is one I ponder frequently, perhaps more than I should. Am I alone in this contemplation? Likely not. Reflect on your own journey—what steps are you taking to reach your goals?

For me, intentional living encompasses who I want to be, where I want to be, how I want to get there, why I want those things, and when I plan to achieve them. It’s a blend of present awareness and future aspirations. To reach a future state, one must start from the present moment. You cannot move forward if you are stuck in the past or overly fixated on what lies ahead.

How does this work?

Be Present, Here and Now

Remaining present is a continual challenge for me. In this moment, I must activate my conscious awareness. Where do I find myself? Who am I right now? The answers reflect a blend of my past and present selves. Our histories comprise various fragments that we carry into today.

While the past can be a valuable teacher, attempting to relive it or use it to shape the future can lead to stagnation. When you become ensnared by your past, it becomes increasingly difficult to exist in the present moment.

My own past has its complexities, filled with choices I’m not particularly proud of. Though I don’t necessarily regret them, I occasionally find myself mulling over what might have been. To be present, I must cultivate mindfulness and ask myself essential questions:

• What thoughts occupy my mind?
• What emotions am I experiencing?
• What actions am I taking, and what intentions lie behind them?

Being fully engaged in the present is the only way I know to work toward the life I aspire to live. Where do you wish to be that you are not right now?

The Gap Between Now and Desired Future

In my current reality, I am focused on writing books and blogs while juggling a rewarding part-time job. However, the return on my investment doesn’t match my effort, leaving me in a struggle for balance. I often feel frustrated, unsure how to progress without additional financial resources.

In contrast, my aspiration is to have my writing—across all formats—provide a sustainable income. I wish to eliminate my credit card debt and avoid accruing future expenses for services like editing and marketing. I envision a life where I can dedicate time to hone my craft, supported by a fulfilling part-time job.

The main obstacle between my present and desired state is a mix of battling my inner doubts and identifying the necessary elements to achieve the ROI I currently lack. Some factors are within my control, while others are not. For instance, elevating my blog on Medium is a challenge I haven’t yet tackled, and garnering more purchases and favorable reviews for my books feels elusive.

Be Where You Want to Be—Now

Consciousness shapes reality. Regardless of whether you subscribe to the Law of Attraction, this principle holds true. What you focus on with genuine intent, you will manifest in your life.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. Following significant injuries, my recovery astounded even the best doctors, all because I envisioned myself healed and expressed gratitude for my health. This same principle has applied to relationships and material desires I once thought unattainable.

However, two crucial points must be noted about conscious reality creation:

1. Intentional Action is Essential: You cannot manifest your desires from nothing. The idea that you can simply ask, believe, and receive without taking concrete steps is misleading. If you aim to achieve something ambitious, such as space travel, you must pursue tangible pathways to make it happen.
2. Focus on Yourself: You can only create your own reality. Attempting to shape someone else's experience leads to conflict—just look at the current political climate for evidence.

Facing Doubts and Seeking Change

There are days when self-doubt creeps in, making me question my choices and fueling the urge to conform to societal expectations. When I feel distant from my aspirations, reminders from the outside world can exacerbate my uncertainty.

At times, it’s crucial to evaluate whether to continue on your current path or to pivot entirely. Change can be uncomfortable, and stepping outside your comfort zone is necessary for growth.

I recognize that I need to embrace discomfort more than I currently do. While I may not have all the answers, I know that the responsibility lies with me to navigate my journey.

It’s natural to experience off days when you feel disconnected from your goals. Forgive yourself, practice mindfulness, and keep moving forward.

What Steps Are You Intentionally Taking?