31 Kick-Ass Ways to Live an Intentional Life & Boss It Up

Are you ready to live an intentional life and turn your existence into a non-stop adventure of joy!

Have you ever had one of those days where you’re knee-deep in a random YouTube rabbit hole and you suddenly think, “Wait, what am I even doing with my life?” Because, same.

It’s like we’re all aboard this fast-moving train called Life, and sometimes we forget where we’re headed. But what if we grabbed the controls and steered with purpose?

Let’s talk about living intentionally – you know, making decisions that align with our most authentic selves.

What does it mean to live intentionally?

Here’s the deal: Living intentionally doesn’t require a hermit-like existence or hours of daily meditation (unless that’s your jam, of course). It’s about choosing to live your life, not someone else’s version of it, and it can be as fun as it is fulfilling!

So, put on your favorite playlist, grab a comfy seat, and let me share 20 tips that’ll have you living life like the protagonist of a heartwarming indie film.

How do you live an intentional life?

1. Define Your Values

Before you can live intentionally, you’ve got to know what’s important to you. Is it creativity? Family? Adventure? Tacos? Write down your top values, and let them be your compass.

Every choice you make should help you stay true north. Remember, if it doesn’t honor your values, it’s probably not worth your time.

2. Set Goals that Excite You

Goals should be like ordering dessert first – thrilling! Set goals that make you jump out of bed in the morning with excitement. Make sure they’re specific, achievable, and tie back to those values you scribbled down.

And then focus on those goals to live a life like you’re the main character.

3. Set Your Intentions Daily

Start each day by setting an intention. It could be as simple as “Today I will find joy in the small things” or “I will be a high-five machine spreading positivity.” Setting these daily intentions is like giving your day a theme – and who doesn’t love a good theme party?

4. Mindful Mornings > Rushed Mornings

Take ten minutes each morning to just be. Meditate, stretch, watch the sunrise—whatever centers you. You’ll be shocked to see the difference just 10 minutes of being intentional can have on your entire day.

And it is as simple as making or drinking coffee while remembering things you’re grateful for. The air you breathe? The family who woke up with you? The house you live in? Nice friend you have?

5. Declutter Your Life

That sweater from three years ago that’s doing nothing but taking up valuable closet real estate – yeah, it’s time to let it go. Declutter your space to declutter your mind. It’s hard to focus on what brings you joy if it’s buried under a pile of ‘just-in-cases’ and ‘what-ifs.’

6. Practice Gratitude

Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. It could be a warm cup of coffee or sunshine on your face. Gratitude turns what we have into enough and reminds us of what’s important.

7. Practice Mindfulness

Ever catch yourself zoning out during a conversation, only to snap back and realize you’ve missed the entire plot? Living intentionally requires being present. And mindfulness means being present.

Try meditating for a few minutes each day or simply pay attention to the sensations of things you do on autopilot – like showering or chewing.

Take time to savor your interactions and experiences. Remember, life is happening now – not in yesterday’s reruns or tomorrow’s trailers.

8. Say No Gracefully

“No” is not a dirty word, my friends. It’s a complete sentence and your ticket to not getting bogged down in commitments that drain your energies. And honestly, you can’t attend every party or take on every project.

Saying “no” means you’re saying “yes” to something else – like time for a passion project or a nap. Both are valid. 😉

So, learn to turn things down with the grace of a ballet dancer – even if it’s just turning down that extra episode when you know you need your beauty sleep.

9. Embrace the Power of Reflection

Grab a cup of tea, your favorite fuzzy socks, and reflect. What went well today? What could have been better? How can you align your actions with your intentions tomorrow?

Reflecting isn’t about being hard on yourself; it’s about learning from Act I to make Act II even more amazing.

10. Find Your Passion Project

Is there something that makes you lose track of time? That one activity that makes you so engrossed, hours feel like minutes? Nurture that passion.

Maybe it’s crafting, coding, or finally starting your blog about the underrated art of basket weaving. Whatever it is, make time for it. 😍

11. Learn to Forgive

Plot twist! Forgiveness can be more about your freedom than someone else’s. It doesn’t mean forgetting; it means not letting past grudges direct your life’s movie. Forgive and grab some popcorn; your show must go on.

12. Create a Financial Plan

Cha-ching! 💰 Money matters, and while you don’t have to be the Wolf of Wall Street, having a plan for your finances can keep you from breaking the bank. Budgeting can be a blast when you think of it as planning for future adventures.

13. Nurture Your Health

Your body is the ultimate home of your soul, and it’s where you’ll be living every episode of your life. Fuel it right, keep it moving, and listen to it. Remember, an intentional life includes intentional self-care.

14. Unplug and Recharge

Sometimes, you need to go offline to get your storyline back on track. Social media can wait. Disconnect from the digital drama and recharge in the real world.

Take time each day to disconnect from screens and connect with the world around you. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells. Real life is happening all around you; don’t miss it.

Come back with your batteries full and ready to conquer your next scene.

15. Commit to Lifelong Learning

Stay curious, folks. Keep learning, whether it’s new skills, breaking out of your cultural cocoon, or just accumulating fun facts. Imagine every bit of knowledge as a prop that makes your life’s production that much richer.

16. Contribute to Your Community

Volunteer, participate, show up. When you give back, you’re not only enriching the lives of others, but also adding depth to your own character arc. Plus, community involvement is the feel-good hit of the summer.

17. Slow Down to Speed Up

Rushing through life’s scenes may cause you to miss critical plot points. By slowing down, you take the time to deliver your lines with gusto and maybe even enjoy the scenery. Who knew?

Life’s not a race. Eat slower, walk slower, and breathe deeper. Slowing down can amplify the joy in everyday moments.

18. Set Achievable Goals

Aim for the stars, sure, but don’t forget to build your ladder. Break down your long-term goals into bite-sized episodes that you can tackle without feeling overwhelmed. “Lose weight” is good, but “Walk 10,000 steps a day” is great! Every small achievement is like winning an award on show night.

19. Be Flexible with Your Script

Improvisation isn’t just for jazz or comedy clubs. Sometimes the script of life throws you a curveball, and that’s okay. Be like water – adaptable. Plans change, and that’s okay. Sometimes the detours are where the magic happens.

20. Cultivate Gratitude

The best life soundtracks are those filled with ‘thank you’ notes. Cultivate a habit of gratitude, and watch as it transforms your mindset and the energy you bring onto the set.

21. Be Your Own Cheerleader

Motivational pep talks are great, especially when they come from the star of the show – you. Highlight your strengths, embrace your flaws, and be your own standing ovation.

Did you nail a presentation or finally master a tricky yoga pose? Celebrate it! Big or small, success is success and you should definitely celebrate yourself.

22. Leave Room for Spin-Offs

Dream big, live fully, and remember to leave a little wiggle room for those unexpected spin-offs. You never know when a side character or a plotline can surprise you and become the next big hit.

23. Read More Books

Books can change your life. They’re like teleportation devices that whisk you away to new worlds and expose you to fresh ideas. Set a reading goal and get lost in stories.

24. Embrace Minimalism

Minimalism isn’t just about owning fewer socks. It’s a mindset that asks, “Does this add value to my life?” Whether it’s decluttering your closet or your calendar, make room for more of what you love by ditching the excess.

25. Listen Intently

When someone speaks, listen like there’s going to be a pop quiz. People can tell when you’re genuinely engaged, and it makes for richer, more meaningful connections.

26. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and face masks. It’s also setting boundaries, getting enough sleep, and feeding your body foods that make you feel awesome. Treat yourself like a VIP.

27. Invest in Relationships

Your squad – the family you choose. These are the folks who deserve your time and energy. Cultivate those friendships.

Be intentional with your catch-ups, like planning brunch every third Sunday, or having a standing video call date when you’re miles apart.

Invest in people who make you better. Surround yourself with friends and family who support your intentional living journey – those are your people.

28. Volunteer Your Time

Giving back is like a boomerang – it comes back to you in ways you can’t anticipate. Volunteer, donate, or simply help a neighbor. It feels good.

29. Find Joy in the Little Things

There’s magic in the mundane. Savor the smell of fresh laundry, the sound of laughter, or the feeling of your dog’s fur. These micro-moments are joy gems.

30. Let Go of Perfection

Perfection is a myth; it’s like finding a unicorn at the grocery store. Embrace imperfection, laugh at your mistakes, and keep moving forward.

31. Trust the Journey

You won’t become an intentional living guru overnight, and that’s perfectly fine. Trust the process, learn as you go, and enjoy each step of the path.

Wrapping up – live an intentional life

Living intentionally means crafting a life bursting with purpose, laughs, and the occasional leap into the unknown. It’s about writing your own story, one intentional step at a time.

Remember, you are the writer, director, and main character of your life’s epic tale. So wear that monogrammed director’s chair with pride, cue your theme music, and navigate your narrative with the confidence of a season finale cliffhanger because, trust me, your audience (and by audience, I mean you) is eager to see what happens next. 🎬👊