I heard one of our most promising sales professionals use this statement multiple times in a team strategy session this week.  He encouraged his team members to “Be Intentional” in everything they do.

To “Be Intentional” is the opposite of deciding to “Wing It”.  To actually live this statement requires you to know first “Why” you’re doing something, next “How” you’re going to approach it, and finally “What” you’re going to do to accomplish it.  To “Be Intentional” requires clarity of focus, the discipline to formulate a plan and, ultimately, the determination to enact it.  That’s a tall order, which is why many prefer to only do what they do when outside forces move them.

Let’s break down what it means to “Be Intentional”:

• If an activity doesn’t align with achieving your overall purpose and fulfilling your professional mission, don’t do it.  Why waste your time on something with an outcome that doesn’t move your business success plan forward?
• If what you’re considering passes the first test, how do you make sure that your approach aligns with the outcome you desire?
• There’s no room for wasted effort when you decide to pursue something worthwhile. Make each motion count: planning, adapting and delivering results.  Remember your “Why” with each step and iteration of the ever-changing plan. 

This is easy to say, yet comparatively hard to do when the pressures of life bear down on us. Our ability to retain focus under fire will lead us to the results we desire.

Be Intentional; not only will you be more likely to enjoy the journey, you’ll actually have something to show for it.