Acting With Intention: What It Means and How to Make It a Habit

I used to think my intentions were always good. I’d set a goal, focus, and drive for it. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it blew up in my face. It can be a double-edged sword, this intention. It gives me confidence. It lets me use my awareness. But I can also assign intention to a situation that just doesn’t add up.

Intention shapes almost every interaction I have. It’s something I work on, something I practice to be a better human. It’s a major part of my new book, The In-Between: Life in the Micro. In the book, I talk about my life and how I’ve shifted my intention to the moments in between, not just the big episodes.

What Does Intention Mean in the In-Between?

When I thought about intention, I used to have a very straightforward definition. I’d set a goal and do what I had to do to achieve it. My intention was narrow. It was focused. It was resolute. Those intentions can support success, but they also create an obsession with the macro.

Intention in the in-between is different. I had to snap out of a bubble of the macro to get to this place. Two life-and-death experiences nudged me into this new phase. I had time to reflect on regrets and missed opportunities. I realized my life of intention was as strong as a house of cards. It is only related to the macro.

Living intentionally in the in-between means I am open to all experiences. I don’t come into them with a negative mindset. I can be more patient and welcoming, and these intentions don’t waver even if circumstances arise that change the moment. In the past, such an incident would have made me frustrated and angry.

Acting with Intention in the Micro Creates Joy, Peace, and Connection

The payoff of acting with intention in the micro is the opportunity for joy, peace, and connection. In my book, I tell the story of an Ironman competition, which had been a macro goal for many years. This time was different. Instead of being consumed by the macro of finishing the race, I embraced the in-between and helped a fellow racer. In that moment of intention, I was living a value that was critical to me, helping others.

What I got from the moment was a connection to someone else. It supported my growth and demonstrated how intention was now firmly embedded into the micro.

Applying Intention to Any Moment

Our life is a collection of moments, big and small. If we look at each as a chance to apply intention, it becomes a habit. It’s about setting the tone. If we go into situations with a clear and open mind, we can take much value from them. Practicing intention is similar to being mindful and present. You’ll have to be deliberate about this. Eventually, it will become second nature to look at your day ahead in this way.

You can explore more about acting with intention in the in-between by reading my book.