You know those good intentions you have regarding completing that task for someone or spending time with that person… Are you frustrated because you still haven’t taken the necessary steps toward making those things happen? Most of us have this running list of things we intend to do, but for some reason, we just aren’t getting around to doing them. Here’s some good news… You can make the move toward intentional action in one practical step.

Get rid of your good intentions!

That’s right. Stop intending to do something and just do it! Make the shift from having good intentions to being intentional. I know, I know… easier said than done, right? Trust me, I struggle with this too, but when God puts a good idea on your heart/mind, then we are responsible to see it become reality. Take a minute to read James 4:13-17.

So here are a few steps to help you move from being a person who is intentional and not just well-intended…

  1. Own your schedule and realize other people are busy too… In other words, your busyness will be a major barrier to becoming more intentional. I try to constantly be looking one or two weeks ahead on my schedule, so that means this week I’m working to plan my schedule for next week and the following week. At the same time, I know other people have busy schedules, so I need to give them time to look ahead and clear or prioritize space on their calendar.
  2. Establish priorities and make everything else submit… When we don’t know what matters most to us, then everything is fighting with everything for our time and energy. As a result, those things we intend to do end up competing with all the things we feel as if we “have” to do. Identify the three-five things that need to happen in the next 30 days and make everything else work around those. If you don’t know what matters to you, someone or something else will determine it for you!
  3. Bring your plans before God and ask for His help... Nothing will help propel us toward intentionality more than the leadership and provision of the Holy Spirit. When God calls you to action, He wants to see you move forward. Whether it’s spending more time together as a family, catching up with a friend, having a co-worker over for dinner, or serving someone who is in need… God is already willing to help you do what is necessary to make this a reality. However, He knows you’ll have opposition. He knows other things will fight against your intentionality including your own busyness and excuses. That’s why you must bring your plans before Him, ask Him for the perseverance and focused you’ll need, and listen to His promptings. He will help you guard your plans as you move from being well-intended to intentional!