Living on Purpose (Without the Pressure): A Real Talk on Intentionality

Let’s be real for a second.

Most of us are out here trying to live better, feel better, do better… all while not totally falling apart in the process.

We want to be intentional. But we also want to drink coffee in peace and not have our entire identity wrapped up in productivity hacks or whether we meditated for 7 minutes this morning.

Here’s the truth: Living intentionally isn’t about perfection.

It’s not about rigid schedules or becoming the next wellness influencer.

It’s about making your life yours—on purpose.

So let’s break down how to actually do that—without turning into a pressure-cooked, burnout-prone version of yourself.

Cool? Cool.

1. First, What the Hell Is Intentionality Anyway?

Intentionality isn’t a five-step morning routine with lemon water and 37 journal prompts (though hey, if that works for you, live your life).

It’s about asking:“What am I doing, and why am I doing it?”

It’s showing up to your life awake instead of on autopilot.

It’s deciding your energy is sacred.

It’s not letting your day run you—you run your day.(Okay, maybe with some help from caffeine and Google Calendar.)

2. You’re Allowed to Want More—And Still Be Grateful

Let’s crush a toxic myth right now:Wanting more for your life does not mean you’re ungrateful for what you have.

You can be wildly thankful and deeply unsatisfied.

It’s not either/or. It’s both/and.

You can love your people and still want new friends.

You can be proud of your job and still want to pivot.

You can respect the journey and still crave a different destination.

Intentionality means honoring your truth, even when it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.

3. Release the Guilt of “Wasted Time”

If you’ve ever spiraled over not doing enough, not being enough, or not “using your time wisely”...Breathe.

You’re not alone. And you’re not behind.

This pressure to maximize every second of every day is a lie sold by hustle culture and productivity bros with podcasts.

Sometimes, intentionality is letting yourself rest without shame.

Sometimes it’s watching trash TV because your brain is fried.

Sometimes it’s crying in the shower and texting your best friend, “Life is weird.”

That’s not wasted time. That’s humanity.

4. Intentionality Starts Small (Like, Stupid Small)

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. You just need to pay attention.

Like:

• Drinking water before coffee.

• Saying “no” even when your people-pleaser twitches.

• Asking yourself what you need today before diving into emails.

• Setting your phone down and looking at the damn sunset.

  
  

Small doesn’t mean insignificant. It means sustainable. And that’s the magic.

5. Check In With Yourself Like You’re Someone You Love

Living with intention means developing a relationship with you—the messy, complicated, sometimes-exhausted version of you.

Ask:

• “What do I want today?”

• “What do I need more of?”

• “What’s stealing my energy?”

• “Am I being kind to myself, or just productive?”

  
  

You don’t need to “fix” yourself. You just need to know yourself.

6. Intention Isn’t a Destination—It’s a Vibe

This isn’t a finish line. You don’t “arrive” at intentionality.

You just choose it.

Again and again.

Even when it’s inconvenient.

Even when you mess up.

Especially when life is loud and fast and heavy.

Being intentional is saying:“I’m here. I’m awake. I’m not checking out of my own life today.”

That’s power. That’s presence.

That’s what changes everything.

Final Truth Bomb:

You don’t need to be perfect to be intentional.

You just need to care enough to show up.

For yourself. For your life. For what actually matters.

So take a deep breath. Let go of the pressure. And start living like you mean it.

Not tomorrow. Not when you get your life together. Right now.

You’ve got this. ✨

Want more real talk like this?

Follow along for mental health truths, intentional living vibes, and permission to be your whole damn self.

❤️

Sarah