Living Intentionally in 2022

If COVID-19 has taught us anything over these last few weeks and months, it’s allowed us to redefine how we live our lives. Everyone’s lives have been turned with people losing jobs, quitting their jobs or working remotely. Some people have not seen their families for a long time, and some have been stuck with theirs at home.

The way we live has been changed. I have been seeing so many posts about living life more intentionally and taking a closer look at what really matters.

So, what does it really mean to live intentionally?

Living Intentionally means asking why you do the things you do and taking control of your life. This does not mean having a perfect life or having everything figured out ~ but being honest in what you can and can not control.

It is actively seeking out ways to live the life you want the most. I have made a goal this year to start living more intentional and loving the life that I live and want for myself.

5 Simple Ways To Start Living Intentionally

Review your priorities

One of the simplest things you can do to start living with intention is to regularly review and check-in with your priorities. Ask yourself:

What’s most important to me right now, in my current season of life?
Do my actions reflect these priorities?
If not, what changes can I make to move into alignment?

I have always been the “productive” person and make it to a point to always be busy. It’s important to understand that sometimes doing nothing or resting is okay. It’s about being true to your needs.

Change your environment

If you want to start living intentionally, then be intentional about your environment.

What does your living space look like?
Who do you surround yourself with?
What media do you consume?
What language do you use with yourself?

All of these things make up your physical environment and you should (to the best of your ability) create an environment which supports you.

Decluttering is so essential to living intentionally. Maybe, this is the reason why I chose to move every 2-3 years.

It’s also not just the physical home but also the people who you hang out with every day. Surround yourself with people who makes you feel good.

Realize that your life is made of choices and trade offs

In life, we are constantly faced with choices, and I believe that everything has trade -offs. Think of it this way:

If you choose to spend $500 on a new purse, you’re also choosing not to put $100 into investments.
If you choose to work late, you’re also choosing not to spend more time with your loved ones.
If you choose to stay in a job you hate, you’re also choosing not to explore other options.

Of course, despite what these examples might imply, it’s not always clear which option is the right choice. Choosing to work late might mean less time with family—but it might also mean paying the electric bill on time.

There aren’t always right or wrong answers and that’s OK.

What’s important for intentional living is that you’re aware of your options. It’s totally fine to spend money on a new $100 purse or outfit for no reason other than it makes you happy as long as you know your trade offs.

Asking why

This is a simple yet essential habit for intentional living. Before you decide on some life choices, take a moment to pause and ask

Who are you doing this for?
How will this add value to your life?
What do you hope to achieve?

Again, there’s not always a clear right or wrong answer and that’s OK. The point of asking these questions isn’t to avoid making mistakes. After all, making mistakes is an essential part of personal growth.

Instead, the reason we ask these questions is to increase awareness. Are you doing things on autopilot, simply out of habit, or because it adds value to your life.

Invest in yourself

Finally, if you want to start living intentionally, then you must find the courage to invest in yourself. Find time to rest and care for yourself.