Intention

I started my podcast in 2017. The podcast was called “Beyond the Surface” and the goal was to dive deep with elite performers about their journey. As I started getting beneath the surface with my guests, a common theme emerged: time after time the guests shared stories about intentional actions that they took to get to where they wanted to go. All of a sudden my focus changed. I became most interested in what they intentionally chose to do to get to where they are today. I continue to explore their journey, but I zoom in on the intentional watershed moments that paved their path.

Fast forward four years later, and I have interviewed 220 intentional performers. Here are some of the intentional actions they have shared:

  • A CEO keeps notes in his wallet to remind himself to live his values

  • A professional basketball player spray painted her wall, “no quit in me” after tearing her ACL

  • A sports coach has a morning routine that involves jumping on a trampoline

  • A politician uses his train commute to read

  • A cancer survivor used a minute-by-minute schedule to feel productive while getting chemo

  • An actor continues to take lessons and try new activities

  • A bestselling author writes about themes that he’s afraid to typically talk about

  • A legendary NFL kicker uses visualization

  • An award-winning principal skateboards through the halls of his school

  • A professional sports coach seeks out teachers all over the world to learn from

  • An activist focuses on positivity and happiness

  • A professional sports coach uses the power of touch to connect

  • A yoga instructor starts with the breath to answer questions

As you can see, the vocations and actions are diverse, but their intention is noticeably similar.

The definition of intentional is simply “done on purpose; deliberate.” I love that “purpose” and “intentional” go hand in hand. If we live an intentional life, then we are more likely to step into our purpose. It’s simple but difficult. Intentionality has a profound impact.

So, with that, what intentional actions can you take today? Tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Next year? Let’s get going.

Brian Levenson