Intentional Living: How To Figure Out What You Want in Life

Intentional Living: How To Figure Out What You Want in Life

Navigating life can feel overwhelming when you’re unclear about your purpose. You might find yourself drifting through routines without a clear sense of what truly matters to you. This is where intentional living can help—it’s about aligning your actions with your core values and creating a fulfilling life. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical ways to figure out what you want in life and how intentional living can guide you along the way.

What Is Intentional Living?

Intentional living is a lifestyle philosophy that encourages you to make deliberate choices aligned with your values, priorities, and long-term goals. Rather than letting external factors dictate your path, intentional living empowers you to take control of your journey. This mindset serves as a foundation for understanding how to figure out what you want in life.

When you live intentionally, you focus on:

▫️  Recognizing what matters most to you.

▫️  Eliminating distractions that don’t serve your goals.

▫️  Creating a meaningful and authentic life that feels right for you.

Intentional living doesn’t mean having all the answers upfront—it’s about learning, adjusting, and staying true to your inner compass. This approach makes it easier to uncover what you want in life, even when the journey seems unclear.

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Why It Matters to Know What You Want

Knowing what you want in life is like having a compass that always points you in the right direction. Without it, you might find yourself climbing the wrong ladder or chasing goals that leave you unfulfilled. 

Here’s why clarity is so crucial:

Eliminates Overwhelm

When you’re unsure of your direction, every decision can feel paralyzing. Clarity allows you to prioritize what truly matters, eliminating unnecessary stress and decision fatigue. 

Increases Focus and Motivation

It’s easier to get up every morning feeling energized and excited when you’re working towards something that genuinely matters to you. Purpose fuels perseverance. 

Creates a Fulfilling Life

A life lived with intention—aligned with your values and dreams—feels meaningful. Instead of drifting through days, you create experiences that bring joy and satisfaction.

 

The Common Roadblocks to Clarity

If finding out what you want were easy, everyone would know their purpose by the time they finished high school. But let’s face it—there are challenges that often cloud our judgment and disconnect us from our goals. Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them.

Societal Expectations

From a young age, we’re told what we “should” do—get good grades, find a stable career, buy a home, and so on. It’s easy to mistake societal norms for your own desires.

Breakthrough tip:

Start questioning where your goals come from. Are they truly yours, or are they influenced by others’ expectations?

Fear of Failure

Sometimes, it’s easier not to think about what you want because it feels risky. What if you fail to achieve your dreams?

Breakthrough tip:

Reframe failure as a learning experience – an experiment. Even missteps help you grow and refine your goals.

Too Many Choices

Modern life offers a dazzling array of options, which can leave you feeling more stuck than ever. Analysis paralysis is real!

Breakthrough tip:

Focus on just one or two areas to explore at a time. Simplify your search.

How to Figure Out What You Want in Life

Now, let’s review actionable possible strategies. The key to clarity is introspection, creativity, and taking small but consistent steps forward.

how to figure out what you want in life?  - 2 how to figure out what you want in life? #howtofigureoutwhatyouwantinlife #how to figure out what you want in life

Reflect on Your Core Values

Values are your internal compass, guiding what feels meaningful to you. When you know what you stand for, it’s easier to figure out what direction aligns with your beliefs. 

Ask yourself:

▫️ What principles do I want to live by?

▫️ What makes me feel proud of myself?

 

Imagine Your Ideal Life

Visualization is a powerful tool. Close your eyes and imagine a day in your ideal life. Where are you? What are you doing? Who are you with?

Pro tip:

Journaling can help bring these visions to life. Write about your ideal day in as much detail as possible.

Identify What Energizes You

Think about the activities that make time fly by. Whether it’s painting, organizing, helping others, or strategizing, these are clues to what you’re naturally drawn to. 

Ask yourself:

▫️ When do I feel most alive?

▫️ What’s something I would do even if I weren’t paid for it?

 

Experiment and Explore

Action breeds clarity. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” answer, try different activities, hobbies, or jobs that spark your curiosity.

Pro tip:

Treat this like a series of low-stakes experiments. You’re not committing forever—you’re simply exploring.

Consider Your Strengths

What are you naturally good at? Your talents often point to fulfilling career or life paths. 

Ask yourself:

▫️ What do people often praise me for?

▫️ What’s something I learn or do easily compared to others?

 

Surround Yourself with the Right Influences

Your environment and the people around you play a huge role in shaping your mindset. Seek out individuals who inspire and motivate you.

Actionable step:

Join communities, clubs, or groups aligned with your interests or goals.

Listen to Your Inner Voice

When was the last time you checked in with yourself—without judgment or external input? Meditation or quiet reflection can help you reconnect with your intuition.

Pro tip:

Schedule regular alone time to tune into your thoughts and feelings.

The Power of Letting Go

Sometimes, figuring out what you want isn’t about adding more to your life – it’s about subtracting. Let go of what no longer serves you—toxic relationships, unfulfilling jobs, or outdated dreams—to create space for what truly matters. 

Ask yourself:

▫️ What’s holding me back right now?

▫️ What am I ready to release?

 

Finding Support Along the Way

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether it’s through books, mentors, or supportive communities, there are countless resources to help you uncover your path.

If you are looking for an accountability buddy, we have created an amazing community here in Munich – Cream & Do Crew! Check it out, and do not hesitate to connect! We will be glad to have you on board or if you prefer one-on-one sessions, please contact me. It will be an absolute pleasure to connect! 🤍

A Helpful Resource

If you’re ready to dive deeper into this process, my ebook/workbook, Intentional Living: How to Figure Out What You Want in Life, provides a step-by-step guide to gain clarity and take action. Filled with practical exercises and thoughtful prompts, it’s designed to help you align your life with what truly matters.

how to figure out what you want in life? #howtofigureoutwhatyouwantinlife #how to figure out what you want in life

Learning how to figure out what you want in life is a deeply personal journey. Through the principles of intentional living, you can clarify your path and create a life that feels truly meaningful. Start small, embrace self-discovery, and trust the process—it’s all part of living intentionally. Remember, clarity isn’t something you find overnight, but every small step forward brings you closer to living a life you genuinely love. 

Are you ready to begin? Let’s take this journey together.

 

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Intentional Living: My Favorite Productivity Tools

Intentional Living: My Favorite Productivity Tools

Welcome to My Productivity Toolkit!

Feeling productive doesn’t have to be a struggle. Life often throws countless tasks and responsibilities our way, making it easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck in a constant rush. But what if you had tools and rituals that help you focus, recharge, and stay intentional every step of the way? That’s where my favorite productivity buddies come in. Over the years, I’ve discovered and refined these resources that support my daily, weekly, and even yearly planning. Whether it’s jumpstarting your morning or setting meaningful long-term goals, I’m excited to share what works for me – and might just work for you, too!

My Favorite Productivity Tools #Favorite Productivity Tools #FavoriteProductivityTools #Productivity Tools #ProductivityTools

For Daily Productivity:

Productivity Planner

When it comes to starting each day with clarity, the Productivity Planner by Intelligent Change is my go-to tool. It’s not just a regular planner – it’s a daily guide that helps me stay focused and intentional. One of the standout features is its simplicity combined with meaningful prompts.

In the morning, the productivity planner encourages you to:

  • Briefly mention what you are grateful for. A practice that shifts your mindset toward positivity before the day begins.
  • Choose an intention for the day. This gives you a clear focus and helps you avoid getting overwhelmed.
  • Prioritize your tasks by importance. No more endless to-do lists – just the tasks that truly matter.

In the evening, it helps you reflect on:

  • The highlight of your day. A lovely way to end your day on a high note.
  • What you learned and what you want to remember. These reflections foster growth and mindfulness.
  • Additional habit and mood tracking. If desired, you can also rate your day – a simple yet effective way to identify patterns and improve.

What makes this planner a winner for me is its brevity. It doesn’t overwhelm you with excessive writing or tasks. Short and sweet – perfect for someone like me who values effectiveness over extravagance. If I feel like journaling a little more on that day, I just use the Notes space to lay out my thoughts.

I honestly can’t think of a single thing I’d add or remove from it. So, if you’re seeking a practical productivity tool to help you be more organized and efficient, this planner should be on your radar!

Productivity Planner by Intelligent Change #ProductivityPlannerIntelligentChange #Productivity Planner Intelligent Change #ProductivityPlanner #IntelligentChange<br />
#Productivity Planner #Intelligent Change

    For Weekly Productivity:

    Productivity Planner – Weekly Focus

    The Intelligent Change Productivity Planner isn’t just a daily tool – it’s designed with weekly reflections in mind. Every week, it prompts you to pause and evaluate:

    • Weekly Wins  Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Recognizing achievements boosts motivation.
    • Tasks Not Completed  Identifying unfinished tasks allows you to strategize better for the future.
    • Lessons Learned Reflecting on challenges and growth points creates space for continuous improvement.

    Once the reflection is done, it guides you to plan the week ahead:

    • Set Weekly Intentions What do you want to achieve? Having this clarity brings purpose to your week.
    • Plan Tasks Breaking goals into actionable tasks makes them achievable.

    If purchasing a planner isn’t your thing, I have an alternative for you! My ebook, “Intentional Living: Create a Life You Truly Love!” includes a Weekly Check-in form that is similar to this process. It’s a tool you can use digitally as it has fillable templates, or, if you prefer, you can print it out each week. Regardless of how you fill it, it is a reusable tool designed to help you review your week thoughtfully and set mindful intentions for the days to come.

     

    For Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Productivity:

    My Ebook – Intentional Living: Create a Life You Truly Love!

    create a life you truly love bpost

    For bigger-picture planning, my ebook “Create a Life You Truly Love!” from the Intentional Living series of guides is my ultimate resource. It includes:

    • Monthly Check-in Forms These are designed to track your progress and keep your goals aligned with your vision. Whether it’s personal growth, career milestones, or health improvements, monthly check-ins help ensure you stay on course.

    • Quarterly Progress Checklists I take the opportunity to reflect deeply every quarter. The “Progress Checklist” is a BONUS 2 printable included when you purchase my “Create a Life You Truly Love!” guide. This checklist helps me recognize trends, address obstacles, and recalibrate my focus.

    • Year-End Review I actually use the same “Progress Checklist” to review my year too. This reflection helps me celebrate accomplishments, learn from challenges, and set inspired goals for the upcoming year.

    My Favorite Productivity Book:

    Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdal

    Productivity doesn’t have to feel like a chore, and Ali Abdal proves this in “Feel-Good Productivity”. This book provides actionable insights on balancing productivity with well-being. Unlike traditional “hustle culture” methods, Ali emphasizes:

    • Building systems that fit your life and energy levels.
    • Finding joy in the process of productivity rather than just the outcome.
    • The importance of rest and recovery in maintaining long-term success.

    With relatable examples and approachable advice, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to achieve more without sacrificing happiness.

    The Best Ever Schedule Planner:

    Diary App: To-Do List & Voice Recorder

    Sometimes, the best productivity tool is one that keeps everything in one place. The Diary App, with its to-do list, notes, and voice recorder, is my secret weapon for busy days. Here’s why I love it:

    • Simplified Scheduling – Easily create daily or weekly schedules.
    • Voice Notes on the Go – Got busy hands? No problem! Record tasks and ideas whenever they strike!
    • Audio Editing – I am not using this feature that much, but apparently, you can organize recordings for clarity and action.

    This app is intuitive and flexible, making it ideal for juggling tasks and ideas efficiently.

     

    For Yearly Reflection and Motivation for the Next Year:

    Good Stuff Jar

    Every Sunday night, I take a moment to reflect on the week. I jot down my biggest win and the moments I’m most grateful for, then pop the note into my Good Stuff Jar. At the end of the year, I empty the jar and read through these memories. It’s such a heartwarming way to:

    • Celebrate progress.
    • Acknowledge growth.
    • Relive moments of joy, both big and small.

    This ritual is simple, yet it brings a profound sense of gratitude and accomplishment.

    Good Stuff Jar #gratitudejar

    And, of course, The Things I Cannot Live Without!

    Bottle of Water

    Hydration is non-negotiable for me. Dehydration impacts focus, mood, and productivity, so keeping water handy is an easy yet effective way to stay sharp throughout the day.

    The reason I like this water bottle is that it is a double-walled metal thermos flask water bottle. This means warm water can stay warmer in the cold days, and cold water can stay cooler in the hot days. I also like the size of it – 680 ml (24 oz) – not too big not too small, it fits in my bags and it is leakproof. Before, I used to have insulated bottles with lids… I do not always have both arms available, so having this bottle with straw is a game-changer for me! It also has a handle, so this bottle is just like my shadow during the day. It follows me everywhere in travel or gym. It just never goes out of my sight =) And the colors available are gorgeous. Check it out for yourself:

    Favorite Coffee

    Coffee is my morning ritual and afternoon pick-me-up. I swear by Tchibo’s Caffè Crema Mild (Whole Bean). It keeps me energized and focused without being too intense. I love this coffee in particular because it is just right! Not too strong and roasted and not too weak, just right for it being still tasty and strong enough to do its magic.

    Coffee Machine

    And I couldn’t NOT mention my coffee machine! I can tell you this openly – I’m not the person who grinds beans by hand or measures every detail. My fully automatic coffee machine, the Latticia® OT by Melitta, handles everything with the push of a button. It’s a lifesaver that lets me enjoy a quality cup of coffee while staying on track with my tasks!

    And Some Snacks, of course:

    Almonds

    Almonds are my go-to snack for a quick energy boost. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E every afternoon, they help keep me full and satisfied throughout the day. Plus, they’re great for brain health, which helps me stay focused on whatever I’m working on.

    Walnuts

    I also can’t resist a handful of walnuts – they’re like a little brain food booster. With their high omega-3 content, walnuts promote cognitive function, support heart health, and keep me feeling energized. They’re perfect to accompany almonds and chocolate. Ups… Yes! I said it! Chocolate!

    Dark Chocolate

    I looooove Lindt EXCELLENCE 100% Cocoa – Dark Chocolate with nuts and coffee! For when I have cravings for sweet treats but would like a healthier option, dark chocolate is my choice. It’s rich in antioxidants and can give me a little mood lift with just a couple of squares. Plus, the right kind of dark chocolate (like any from 80%-100%) has health benefits, like improving heart health and boosting brain function – a win-win!

    Food for your brain #Food for your brain #Foodforyour brain #Food for brain #Foodforbrain #Brain Food #BrainFood

    Vitamins for Productivity

    Our brains need the right fuel to stay sharp and focused. Here are my favorite brain-boosting vitamins:

    • Vitamin D – Known for improving mood and mental clarity, especially when sunlight is scarce.
    • Vitamin B12 – A vital nutrient for energy production and cognitive function.
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil. It’s great for memory and focus.
    • Magnesium – Helps combat stress and improves concentration, making it perfect for those high-pressure days.

    Adding these to your daily routine can make a noticeable difference in your overall productivity.

    Final Thoughts:

    Whether it’s a thoughtfully designed productivity planner, a step-by-step guide, or an inspiring read, having the right productivity tools can transform your daily life. These buddies of mine help me stay organized, intentional, and joyful. Here’s to finding the tools that work best for you!