When I was a kid there were several times when a major figure in my life was intentional about investing in me.

One time that sticks out is when my grandmother, whom I affectionately referred to as “Granny”, gave me $100 upon graduation of high school.

Now, $100 bucks may not sound like much to you, but my grandmother had to move mountains to pull that together.  Or at least phone bills and power bills.

There I was… holding my card from her in one hand, a crisp, $100 bill in the other, and tears welling up in my eyes.  I knew how hard it was for her to make $100 EXTRA bucks happen and that intentionality made the difference.

Being intentional about creating memories for our families is important work for us to do.  Actually, it’s the most important work you will do.  It allows you to inspire others and leave a legacy in this world.

Seems silly for me to recommend investing only fifteen minutes to such impactful work.  If you have more, do so, but you can get started with 15 minutes for now.

The fact is, most of us don’t spend any time at all being intentional about making memories.  We spend more time on average per day reading (16.2mins/day) than what I’m recommending (15 mins per week).

To be intentional… you’ll need a game plan to get the most out of it.  First, you’ll need to clear the clutter, then focus your time, and finally, follow up to make a lasting impact.  Here’s how…

Clear The Way

There is something that stops all of us from moving forward.  It accumulates a little at the time.  Before you know it clutter is bogging you and your mind down.

Clutter, both physical and mental, starve your productivity. They drain your creativity.  Leaving you feeling overwhelmed with no way out.

When I say creativity, I am not talking about artistic ability.  Some of you pictured your best “art” and it involved a stick person feeding a stick dog (I see you).  No, I’m talking about creativity. The kind that kicks in to solve a problem.  Simply put, your ability to think differently about something.

Physical clutter has a negative effect on your productivity.  The National Association for Professional Organizers (NAPO) indicated that clutter alone costs companies roughly 10% of managers salaries.

Ever heard “Time is Money”?  The reason this cost exists is that clutter gets in the way of process.  It costs a lot of time to find files, papers, or even your phone when they are in a different place every time you reach for them.

Most people I end of coaching report “not having enough time” before we get started.  Imagine if 10% of your time was given back to you.  You could use that time to do what comes next…

Intentionality

I’m pretty sure my grandma didn’t sit down for 15 intentional minutes and decide to give me a $100 bucks for graduation.  That wasn’t her gig, man.  That also doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

Schedule time in your calendar for a 15-minute block of time.  You can use your pre-planning time we talked about here.

In this 15 minutes focus on answering this question:

What one thing can I do in the coming week to be intentional and have a positive outlook in _________’s life?

This one added practice (after I de-clutter) has changed the way I approach my intentionality with people.  Especially, family members.

You can apply this practice anywhere too.  Work.  Teams.  Sports.  Family.  Your hobbies and training.  Anywhere.

You also need to be intentional about you too.

Consistency

We’ve all heard it. Consistency is key.  Being consistent takes attitude, effort… and a calendar.  Setting aside time now for several weeks in advance and guard the time with your life.  Intentionality has to be a regular thing to be effective.

Make time during your pre-planning time or set a specifics time on your calendar.

Take it a step at the time.  First, get next week down.  Then go after the following weeks in your calendar.  I prefer it is on the same day each week at the same time.  You do you, though.

What ways can I be intentional in ________’s life about _________?

Quick Ideas:

• Graduation (thanks Granny)
• Birthday
• Christmas
• Turning double digits
• Going to college
• Anniversary

You get the picture. Get clear. Get good. Then get consistent. Now… get moving.

What Is The Next Step?

• Schedule time to de-clutter – (yes… or you never will do it.)
• Develop a de-clutter action plan (keep, toss, give works pretty good)
• Schedule time to honor being intentional about someone and your impact on their life
• Rinse. Repeat.

If you would like further help with being intentional or bringing order out of chaos use the connect button below.

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