A (hypothetical) Day of Realistic Intentionality

 We all carry ourselves and our daily routines differently. Even just in my own scope, I have such polarizing days looking very different from one another. As much as I can write pages of what Realistic Intentionality is as a concept, sometimes it’s easier to demonstrate it with a story, a hypothetical day in a life. 

Paul wakes up, yesterday he decided he was going to begin the path of intentional living with realistic means and methods. Upon waking up, he takes a moment to remember his mission. So, he sets the immediate intention that today would be different, today was new. 

Already just by choosing to embody something different, he is setting a new intention within the first few moments of consciousness. 

Instead of doom scrolling, he takes a moment to be grateful for the sleep he had in his comfortable bed. It’s not a full meditation by any means, but it sets a tone of gratitude and acknowledgement of the blessings he already experienced. 

He does his morning duties mindfully, doing the morning routine he had always wanted to do. Every step from washing his face to brushing his teeth he knows is enhancing his day. Paul prepares his breakfast which is nourishing and delicious. Because food that is healthy feeds the body, but food that is tasty feeds the soul. 

Paul gets ready for work, he puts on a special cologne that gets him a lot of compliments, he dresses for his job and goes to work listening to his favorite songs. He considers how good he has done so far.  

During work he makes an effort to make a positive impact. It doesn’t matter what his job is, he makes a difference by complimenting his coworkers and customers. It costed nothing yet improved his relationships and workplace morale. Paul is mindful of his tasks and his well-being, he prioritizes the things that are necessary and adequately hydrates throughout the day. 

Paul leaves work accomplished, hydrated, and knowing he made at least someone’s day a little better. On the way home he listens to his favorite podcast, the drive is enjoyable despite the traffic. 

Upon getting home, Paul sits down and writes down his goals for the evening, they include his obligations, his intentional disciplines and his hobbies.

• vacuum rug
• do dishes
• call Grandma
• meal prep for tomorrow 
• work out
• study Spanish
• read finance book
• scroll social media 
• play online game 

Paul decided to get his obligations and intentional practices first and to relax on his phone and game in the evening. His night is well balanced with things he needs to do, things he wants to do, and things he enjoys to do. He strayed from the list a few times, knowing that he is human and had some various things, but he always went back to it. 

He maintained his space, catered to a relationship (calling his grandmother), set himself up for tomorrow with his lunch, took care of his body and mind with exercise and learning, and enjoyed his night with his self-care of hobbies. 

He didn’t NEED to make a list, but it helped him prioritize and organize his evening. Everyday will be slightly different, but the thing that will be consistent is his consideration. He is being mindful of how he spends his time. 

Finally, after gaming and talking to his friends, Paul gets ready for bed. His place is clean, his meals are made, he accomplished all the things he wanted to do with intention. He is going to bed fulfilled. He is one step closer to his ideal daily routine and his ideal life. Paul is thankful for showing up for himself and being considerate of every moment’s potential. 

It took no extra time as he did it moment to moment and no additional money was spent, yet he is going to bed feeling better than he has in weeks. 

What’s the big deal, Paul had a productive and seemingly normal day? Well, Paul is gunning for a promotion at work and showing up to work healthy and in a good mood impressed the higher ups. Also Paul dreams of a vacation in Spain, and he is now actively learning their language. He wants to be fit so he feels good and he wants to understand finances to invest. Luckily, he read his book all about it and did a work out. Because Paul’s ideal life is to have a high ranking job, a wide investment portfolio, a vacation home in Spain, and to be healthy and happy. Everything he did that day, contributed to that dream. He can feel success that though the progress was only a days worth, it was still progress. 

That is realistic. That is intentionality. You get it?

- Dani 💚💙