It’s all too easy to live life on autopilot. So much of our modern life is, in one way or another, handled for us. Bills are paid automatically, work routines are decided on our behalf, paying for goods and services happens invisibly via card transactions, and online shops incentivise us not to think, but to buy with instant one-click checkouts. It’s all very relentless, and it can easily make for a life that doesn’t feel like yours to control.
So how do we combat this feeling of listlessness? The answer is intentional living. Intentional living is a philosophical roadmap by which we make more conscious decisions about the ways in which we spend our time, money and energy. Rather than relying on our newfound consumerist instincts to buy the sadness away, we instead build on experiences and undertakings that help us to grow. And we do so mindfully. But what does this look like in practice?
Focus on What Truly Matters to You
First and foremost, you’ll need to do a little soul-searching. Rather than continuing to live on autopilot, you need to stop for a second and identify the things that really matter to you. In identifying your personal values and priorities, you give yourself the opportunity to set long-term goals that actually reflect your wants; you empower yourself to make more meaningful choices.
This means, of course, trusting yourself to shed the more surface-level wants that often cloud your thinking. Really interrogate your wants and needs against your life as it is; with something you’re thinking about buying, would you be equally as interested in buying it three months from now? Try it out, and test yourself. If the answer’s no, or if you forget to buy it in three months, then it wasn’t something that truly mattered.
Make the Most of What You Already Own
Let’s take this philosophy a step further. Set yourself a challenge not to buy anything new for a month, excepting consumables. Rely on the things you already have, and let them set you free. Extend this out to the long term, and you can find joy in resting on the things you already own.
Where you do need to buy something, it doesn’t need to come from a fancy outlet or fast fashion boutique. Buy with intentionality, and buy something that will last. There’s a reason that the pre-owned rolex market remains so strong: Rolexes are timeless, beautiful and built to last. If you buy a watch, buy one of these and you’ll never need to buy another one.
Invest in Experiences, Relationships and Everyday Habits
Finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, a more intentional life involves investing in experiences over items. Items don’t follow you the same way that friendships, family and memories do. Spend quality time with loved ones, invest in learning new skills, and establish small intentional routines that support your long-term wellbeing.
