Ever feel like life is just… happening to you?
You’re checking boxes, running on autopilot, and maybe even doing all the things, but something still feels off. You wonder if there’s more to life than the hustle, the constant doing, and the pressure to keep up.
If that sounds familiar, let me gently introduce you to a beautiful, life-shifting idea: intentional living.
This post is your beginner’s guide to what intentional living actually means, how to start, and why it just might be the exact shift you’ve been craving.
We’ll talk about what it is (and what it isn’t), a simple intro to setting intentions, and ten easy, specific ways to start living a more intentional life today.
So, What Is Intentional Living?
Intentional living isn’t about having a perfectly curated life.
It’s not about minimalism or routines or vision boards…though those things can be helpful tools. It’s not about being productive 24/7 or “hustling harder.”
Intentional living is about paying attention.
It’s about becoming more aware of how people, places, habits, and experiences make you feel, and choosing to do more of what matters most to you.
It’s those little moments when you say:
- “I cannot believe how much fun that was… let’s do it again.”
- “I really enjoy being around those people.”
- “That place makes my heart feel so full.”
- “I feel so accomplished after doing that.”
- “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
It’s also about acknowledging the hard stuff:
- Feeling drained after certain conversations.
- Being overwhelmed by your schedule.
- Noticing when you’re stuck in a cycle of burnout, comparison, or autopilot.
Living an intentional life means turning off cruise control and tuning in.
It’s about creating your life instead of reacting to it, with self-awareness and deliberate action. It’s about learning what brings you joy, what drains you, and how to make space for the things that matter most.
And maybe most importantly? It’s a lifestyle where starting over is always okay.
Setting Intentions
Intentional living starts with… well, intentions.
Think of intentions like your internal compass. They help you make choices that feel aligned with your values, energy, and season of life.
Setting an intention is simply pausing to ask:
- What do I need today?
- How do I want to feel this week?
- What matters most in this moment?
Examples of intentions:
- “I want to approach my day with patience and grace.”
- “I’m choosing rest without guilt.”
- “I will show up as my most authentic self today.”
- “I’m making space for joy, even in small ways.”
You don’t need a full moon ritual or a fancy planner (though if that’s your thing, go for it!). Just a little awareness goes a long way.
(I’ll be writing a deeper dive into setting intentions soon, so stay tuned!)
10 Ways to Start Living an Intentional Life (Even If You’re Brand New to It)
1. Do a daily check-in
Take a few minutes each day to ask yourself how you’re doing- emotionally, mentally, and physically.
It might sound simple, but this little daily check-in can make a big difference and help you recognize what you actually need instead of powering through on autopilot.
Sometimes I do this while sipping my morning coffee or after my morning affirmations. Make it part of your morning routine! It doesn’t have to be complex…it just has to be honest.
2. Create a “makes me feel good” list
Start a list of things that lift your spirits, even in small ways.
Fresh flowers, sunshine on your face, hot coffee, that song you never get tired of, calling a friend…whatever genuinely lights you up.
This becomes your go-to list for days when you’re stuck in a funk. My personal favorites? A good book, a slow morning, and lots of puppy cuddles.
3. Edit your calendar
Look at your week and ask: What’s essential? What’s just filling space? Where can you add a moment of rest, joy, or connection?
Take time to evaluate the relationships in your life too. Who are the people that energize you, encourage you, and help you feel like your best self?
Intentional living includes cultivating connections that genuinely support and energize you—and letting go of the ones that consistently leave you feeling drained.
This is where slow living really starts to shine.
Start protecting your peace by making space for what matters, like that catching up with an old friend, getting outside and moving your body, or making time for that long over due self care day.
4. Practice mindful consumption
Pay attention to what you’re taking in – social media, news, food, conversations. Notice how they make you feel.
For me, unfollowing certain accounts and limiting news in the morning made a huge difference in my mental wellness. Swap the scroll for something uplifting, like a creating a gratitude list or even just reading a few pages of a book you love.
5. Start your day with a small intention
Before diving into your to-do list, pause. How do you want to feel today? What would make the day feel successful?
Even something as simple as “I want to stay calm through the chaos” or “I’m choosing connection over distraction” can shift your energy. Pair it with your morning coffee or write it in your journal.
I like to choose just one word as my “intention reminder.” Words like Calm, Present, Mindful, or Intentional. I’ll jot it in my journal or save it as my phone wallpaper to keep it top of mind throughout the day.
6. Say no (without guilt)
This is a hard one, especially if you’re a people-pleaser. But learning to say no is one of the most powerful things you can do.
I’m a recovering people-pleaser – it’s just in my nature.
And it’s something I have to work on all the time. I’m a work in progress, and that’s okay. Saying no to what doesn’t serve you = saying yes to what does. Try it with something small this week, and see how it feels.
7. Make space for silence
Believe it or not there is actually research that silence is good for our mental and physical health! Who knew?
Even a few minutes of quiet can lower your blood pressure and cortisol and improve concentration and focus.
So give it a try! No phone. No distractions. Just you and your breath.
I’ll be honest…I have a hard time with this sometimes. It’s not easy when your brain feels like it has a million tabs open. One thing that helps me is doing a brain dump first, getting all the thoughts out on paper so I can quiet my mind.
If you don’t have time for that, a few slow, deep breaths can still do a world of good.
8. Notice what drains you
Start tuning into the things that deplete your energy—people, obligations, clutter, decisions.
Decision fatigue is real y’all! One of my favorite ways to fight it?
Rhythms and routines.
Taco Tuesday. Movie Night. Sunday resets. Wellness Wednesday. These little rituals create ease and eliminate the “what’s for dinner” or “what should we do tonight” chaos. They help your brain rest, and let joy take the wheel.
9. Celebrate the small wins
Intentional living isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
Give yourself credit for the tiny things: choosing water instead of soda, skipping the scroll, asking for help, journaling for five minutes.
These little victories add up. And honestly? They deserve to be celebrated.
10. Reflect weekly
Once a week, pause to reflect. What felt good? What didn’t? What do I want more of? Less of?
This is where the magic of gratitude comes in. Celebrate what worked, acknowledge what didn’t, and move forward with grace. I like doing this on Sunday nights as part of my reset routine—paired with a glass of wine, a cozy blanket, and my favorite playlist to romanticize the moment.
Start Where You Are
Living with intention doesn’t mean every moment is magical or perfectly balanced. Life is still life…but when you start to notice what truly matters and choose that on purpose?
That’s when the magic starts to show up.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Just begin by paying attention. Be curious. Experiment. And know that this is your journey—your joy, your values, your version of an intentional life.
More intention. More ease. More magic.
Let’s start there.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re feeling inspired to try intentional living but not sure where to begin, I’ve created something just for you: the 30 Days of Intentional Living Challenge!
It’s a free, simple guide with bite-sized daily prompts to help you start paying attention, slowing down, and living with more joy and purpose- all in less than 10 minutes per day!
