How do you become a writer?
A designer?
Musician, Dancer, Speaker?
A better friend, connector, brother/sister?
How do I align my words with my actions?
Show up.
Even if you don’t want too (especially if you don’t want to) Because when you show up you’re telling the world — and more importantly yourself — that you are serious.
Sometimes I write a motivational blog post like this and feel like I’m just reiterating ideas with different words. Same message, different day. But really I’m reminding myself of my values and why it’s important to live intentionally.
Do you ever catch yourself scrolling through Instagram or the web while you’re surrounded by friends or family? I could be right next to them, yet a million miles away. It’s easy to notice this pattern once someone tells you, If fact, you’ll probably start seeing it everywhere now. Parents ‘playing’ with their kids, while they’re on their phone, Couples on their devices at dinner, and on and on. The technology itself isn’t bad (in fact it’s incredible we’ve come so far!) it just depends on the context. And being a design and developer, I know most apps are created to be as addicting as possible. That way you’ll keep using it.
Are you using it, or is it using you?
One principle of a Renaissance Life is living intentionally.
Living intentionally means giving all of your attention on what you’re focusing on.
It means having plans for what is important to you and giving your time and attention to them every day. Intentionality is the opposite of phoning it in. It’s being active in your decisions vs. being passive. It’s knowing your macro while narrowing in on the micro (which will lead to the macro).
What does this look like?
Intentionally friendships are based on respect, deep connections, and care.
An intentional relationship is knowing your person and his or her needs. It’s being spontaneous and affectionate with all of your beings.
Intentional work is knowing when you’re doing too much, knowing when to say yes and no, and caring for your customers, clients, and employees as if they were you.
The more intentionally we are, the more happier and capable we will be.
Stay BOLD, Keep Pursuing,
— Josh Waggoner
Related Wisdom:
“The quality of your commitments will determine the course of your life.”– Ralph Marston
