Every day we have the choice to react positively and make each day count. Are you designing your day around purpose? Or are you in the fast lane simply reacting to what is going on around you?
The word intention means to aim, design or be purposeful in what you do. In order to be a strong leader who inspires others, intentionality becomes a key ingredient. In this article, we’ll discuss the anchor of being intentional as a leader and why it’s important to the success of the team.
Being intentional starts with self-awareness. It’s truly understanding how you show up, how you affect the people around you and the environment you create as a result. You have the ability to shape the outcome based off your message and how you self-manage your actions and emotions. There are three spheres I live by and exercise with everything I do. They are the can, can’t and influence spheres. Let me further explain and while I do this, refer to the titled illustration above. There are things in life I can control. Essentially, this is everything I have the power to say and do. Then, there are the things in life I can’t control. Typically, this entails the actions and behaviors of others. The can and the can’t spheres never touch each other. The third sphere does touch, matter of fact, it overlaps a small portion of the can and the can’t spheres. This is the sphere of influence. Making an impact on the can’t sphere is accomplished through how I choose to show up consistently with an influencer mindset. It’s a deliberate action set in intention.
In the Seat of the Soul written by Gary Zukav, he stated “that an intention precedes every thought and every action, and the outcome of your experiences is determined by the intention.” Be purposeful with your energy and the decisions you make, in regard to others. Understand that your words, tone and actions together speak volumes about how you feel. Make every moment, interaction and decision count in how you choose to navigate to be the best human being and leader you can be. You have the ability to exercise self-awareness and self-management when it comes your emotions and actions with others. Be intentional in your journey as your impact is certain to be felt by those around you.
