Rule Two: Make Intentional Choices

To inspire a new kind of wholehearted leadership, I recently created Six Rules for Leading With Intention. Last week, I shared all about Rule One: Live With Integrity and now we’re diving deeper to explore the power behind our choices and how to choose intentionally, rather than reactively.

Make Intentional Choices

No matter who you are, where you were born, what happened yesterday, or what will even happen ten minutes from now, there is one essential quality we all share: The playing field is completely level when it comes to choosing how we act and react.

I invite you to consider this: How would your life be different if the choices you made were more intentional? Imagine if you only chose to do things once you took time to consider your desired result and the potential consequences of your actions or inactions.

Instead of living reactively, begin by making mindful decisions in how you act, speak, listen, and wait. When your choices are driven by your core values, the array of potential options narrows to those that are in line with who you want to be in this world that then influences what you do as a result.

Wholehearted leadership requires intentional choice.

Are you living more proactively or reactively? Consider what is driving your choices: External circumstances or internal intentions?

What is standing in your way from being fully present as you lead? Write down any distractions, demands, or obligations that regularly steal your focus away.

As you commit to making more intentional choices, what needs to shift or change? Consider the sabotaging items you listed above and make a commitment to reducing or eliminating at least one of them in the next 24 hours.

If you woke up tomorrow and were to live a fully intentional day, what would it look and feel like? Most likely, it would be very different from your average workday that is spent responding to everything from urgent emails to workplace crises. Instead, imagine what would happen if you were fully present at every meeting. How would you show up differently as a leader? What impact would this have on those around you? On your self-perception and confidence?

Remember that you choose how you show up at each moment, and can choose intentionally. Before your next appointment, conversation, or interaction, consider what end result you’re aiming for and let this purpose guide your attitude and actions. Is there something you need to let go of before you can fully engage and focus on what’s next? Take five seconds to empty your mind and get really clear on this intention. Now go out and live more intentionally!

Get Inspired! For more graphic inspiration, check out my Six Rules for Leading With Intention Pinterest Board and help spread the word to start this leadership revolution!#SixWordsLWI