INT Part 1: Intentionality in Our Own Lives

    In my introductory piece on this series I discussed the importance of intentionality, and how it is most often the missing puzzle piece that links inspiration and determination. If you would like to read that column you can find the link below!

Introduction to Intentionality

   Now I’ll be moving on to Part 1 of the series, where I take a closer look at how intentionality plays into our own self-improvement.

   Ernest Hemmingway made an excellent statement on the subject of self-improvement, in one of my favorite quotes by the author:

   “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

   Consistently becoming more superior to your former self requires a conscious effort. This is where intentionality comes in, but it is equally important to understand what self-improvement really is.

   Often the first topic that comes to mind when we hear “self-improvement” is our physical condition. Physical fitness, and learning to have confidence in our bodies are both very important. We’ve all seen the effects of the obesity epidemic, as well as the tragic outcomes of media-reinforced standards of beauty. It is wonderful that so many are learning to be both more health conscious, and at the same time learning to love their body the way it was made.  

   However, we can get lost in physical self-improvement, and never go further. Instagram and the general media saturate us constantly with messages about body positivity, self-love, and more fitness profiles than anyone can count. These things are not by any means inherently bad, but notice that the focus is entirely on self.

   It is far more important that we improve our persona, specifically in how we interact with others. To put it more bluntly, whenever we work toward our own self-improvement, it should be for the purpose of becoming a better servant, companion, disciple, and leader to other people.

    Contrary to the most common message, people are never the best version of themselves only for themselves. We are at our best when we care enough about the people in our lives, to be what they need us to be.

   This is not a popular truth right now. Most of the world is much more comfortable and happy focusing on "self" more than anything else. Sadly, we are stagnant and unchallenged when we choose to make ourselves our main focus. We also hurt those around us when we refuse to look beyond our own issues. No matter how isolated we believe we are, our actions or even our passivity effect others.

   All communities, be they friendships, families, cities, countries or the world as a whole, function at their highest potential when everyone within works together for the good of each other. This requires something that is even less popular in the world of self-love; self-sacrifice. 

   As hard as self-sacrifice is, I find a great deal of comfort in knowing that my own intentionality makes or breaks my efforts to serve.

   “I may not have a perfect motive. I may not have a perfect mindset. However, I know what I can do to help others, and I can make the choice today to bless others even when it is difficult for me. This is intentionality for self-improvement, as creating a habit of servitude will make me a better person.”

   This is a convoluted concept, and I’m sure I haven’t done the best possible job of explaining it. This has been one of the most challenging pieces I’ve worked on so far, but I hope you can find ways to implement self-sacrifice and servitude into your efforts to self-improve. I’ve found that remembering the three statements below have aided me significantly in this pursuit:

·      I have to be intentional about pursuing my own betterment.

·      I self-improve by first serving others.

·      I can make the choice to serve others even when my heart is not in the right place.

   As always I’d love to hear your thoughts on this article, and I can’t wait to present the next two parts of this series soon!

Introduction to Intentionality

Part I “Intentionality in Our Own Lives”

Part II “Rite of Passage: Intentionality in Other’s Lives”

Part III “The Greater Good: Intentionality in the World”