Blueprint

Spontaneity had always been my ‘jam’. I could ‘fly by the seat of my pants’ and do so with ease. Things would be chaotic, and I would pride myself on being able to thrive in the chaos. I am still this way…somewhat. I can still manage the unforeseen with ease…or…to be more honest, sometimes I am just hiding my panic while I move through the chaos, and sometimes I truly am able to take some deep breaths and gain some perspective in the moment. More recently, I have been implementing some different aspects into my life.

I am an avid reader. By avid reader, I mean I listen to several audibles per month and even more podcasts (since my commute is at least 1 1/2 hours one way). I have noticed a common thread amongst my listens…planning the day and intentional living. Not in a meticulous way that keeps one uptight if one thing does not go as planned. But more of a “blueprint” for an overall goal that one refers to throughout the day, week, and month, to make sure we are still heading in the direction we want.

One of the podcasts I was listening to compared this daily planning to building a house. If you are to build a house, you have blueprints before even breaking ground. Each day, you refer to the blueprint to see if the you are still going by the blueprint. You begin each day with the end in mind….that was my favorite line. This is the line that I have been focusing on since hearing this. I have been starting each day with setting my intention. I have found that this helps me stay in line with not only my personal and professional goals, this also helps all of my behaviors and goals stay in line with my values. Many times, my focus includes tending to my relationships. All of the time, this includes being authentic with others…in all of my interactions. Many times, my focus is to remain present with the task or person in the moment. Many times, my focus is to be emotionally vulnerable with others, which is really scary…especially when I have to challenge my employees behaviors or thoughts. Anyways, you get the point.

Setting my intention (aka referring to my blueprint) helps me identify my goal, and remain focused on what I am doing, in the moment of every day, that moves me further or closer to my goal. How are you beginning each day with the end in mind? How are you living with intention? What is your blueprint?

Much love, LJ