Personal Development

Live Your Best Life: 4 Steps to Living with Intention

Live Your Best Life: 4 Steps to Living with Intention
by Nadia Sabri, MD

At some point in a person’s life, one asks the following questions:

1.  Am I living my best life?
2.  What do I need to do in order to live my best life?

Often times, the honest answer is ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I am too busy to think about that right now’.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission with no extra charge to you if you purchase through my links. Please note there is no obligation to purchase anything.

Here’s the thing: there is no end to being busy.

Whichever phase of life you may be in, it only keeps getting busier. Some days I feel that my head is spinning with all things that need to be done, all the obligations I need to fulfill, the remaining tasks still on my to-do list.

I find myself wishing there is more time to do things I actually want to do and not just things that have to be done.

Then I wonder if there is more time, would I make use of it with something meaningful or just fill it with more business, ahem, busy-ness?

I was planning on pondering these thoughts in more detail at a later date. Then, some health issues caused me to reevaluate my life in a very real way. I found myself asking: could this be it, a finite future?

The waiting period after the thyroid surgery and until the pathology results returned was agonizing. I was a mom of two young kids, a doctor in the peak of my career, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend–all of it could change depending on these results. Life as I knew it could would change.

The post-op period after surgery was tough–not only physically but also emotionally.  I had to readjust my expectations, be gentle to my body as it recovered, and find my new normal. Meditation helped me a lot during those days as I sorted through my complex thoughts and waited with bated breath for results. Read more on finding balance with meditation.

Finally, the pathology results returned: a rare type of thyroid tumor. Fortunately, from what is known about it is that it is benign.

I was able to breathe a sigh of relief that at least for now the future is still open to me.

However, I found that something had changed within me. It was an acute awareness that my situation could change at any given moment. I felt an urgency to make some changes, to snap out of routine, and to really live my life. I made a promise to myself at that moment: to start making these changes now and not putting it off for a later time.

My scar across my neck serves as a badge of courage and a real reminder that life is precious.

It is easy to fall into our various roles and forget who we are as individuals and the goals and dreams we once had. However, time doesn’t stop after we reach a certain point (fill in whatever applies to you here. Examples: start a job/get married/have kids/make more money/etc). These changes can be made at any time.


Prioritizing Goals

What really matters to you?

If we are not actively prioritizing and reprioritizing goals, we can get sucked into cruise control mode, a comfortable complacency of our everyday routine. This leads to boredom, dissatisfaction, restlessness, and as the saying goes: same shit, different day.

The hours in the day don’t change and neither do the responsibilities.

However, the perspective on how to handle these demands can change.

At first it is difficult to let go of the extra, the fluff, all of which can become a security blanket. However, neither material items nor staying busy for busy sake defines you. In fact, those things can be the very causes of extra stress. So, why not free yourself from self-imposed stresses?

Our thoughts are powerful and can contribute to stress or give clarity. Read a gentle meditation on thought.

With this perspective, I try to declutter every few weeks: mentally, literally, and figuratively. There’s just not enough time to do things just for the sake of doing them.

Now, I focus on mindful living, having enriching experiences, making time for self care, and being around the people who are important to me. And it feels liberating!

Living Intentionally

Each day is a new opportunity to live and not just exist. Each day is a new canvas to paint the story of your life according to you.

Living intentionally means making the most of your life, especially the small moments that make up each day because the choices you make today will affect your tomorrow.

Approach your life with curiosity and wonder. Make things a fun experience. Take the time to figure out who you are, what adds joy and value to your life, and what you want out of your life. Then, make those things a priority for you and your family.

Being Present

There is a difference between just sitting there versus actually being mentally and emotionally there as well. Ask anyone whose love language is quality time that a person fiddling on their phone and listening isn’t really listening as much as just going through the motions. Being tired or parental burnout mode can take a toll on being present so be aware of it.

We are so good at multitasking the aspects of our life that we often forget to turn that skill off. So, what is great at work for efficiency continues into our home life and we miss out on great opportunities to connect and live. Adults and children alike sense when someone is not fully present.

Read more on how mindfulness can help you enjoy the parenting experience.

Make a conscious effort to fully participate when around friends and family. Time spent with others is much better when we fully engage, ask thoughtful questions, stay present in the moment. It really does transform everyday interactions to quality experiences.

Read more on how to stay mindful despite distractions.

Step Out of your Comfort Zone

Have you achieved everything you have wanted to do so far?

Are there things on your bucket list that you want to do but for whatever reason haven’t been able to get to them yet?

What is holding you back?

Ever since my shift in perspective, I am asking myself more of these questions to evaluate, prioritize, and energize myself. I have stopped making excuses to myself to not do things I want to do, especially things that get me out of my comfort zone. It can be anything from learning that foreign language you have wanted to learn, traveling more, learning to cook, starting a new skill, playing an instrument, etc.

Read more on my gentle meditation on exploring comfort zones and the mindset for positive change when you are feeling stuck.

You don’t need a drastic life changing event to occur to start living your best life. Anyone can do it. If there are things you have been procrastinating or if you feel in a rut or just want to cross off things from the bucket list, the time to make those changes is now.

This moment is yours.

5 tips to live your best life! Live with #intention, #mindfulness #authentic. #goals #personaldevelopment #wellness

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission with no extra charge to you if you purchase through my links. See disclosure for more information.

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40 Comments

  • Reply
    Girl In Gamba
    January 26, 2018 at 9:53 am

    I really like this post because you’ve got some really great ideas here. I found myself nodding along while I was reading. I think for me, stepping out of my comfort zone is one of my biggest things I need and want to do. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why I started my risk 23 series on my blog. I definitely found that staying in your perfect little bubble doesn’t really help you grow as a person. So, I’m really focused on continuing with that this year! Great post!

    • Reply
      themindfulmdmom
      February 1, 2018 at 11:46 am

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I am excited to read your series and to see how this year goes for you. Stepping outside the comfort zone is a big goal for me this year as well. Glad we are in it together!

  • Reply
    kerry
    January 26, 2018 at 10:53 am

    Ohhh I am with you 100% here. In July last year, we had the rug pulled out from under us with my husband being taken seriously ill. There was no warning to it, one day he was fine, the next day fighting for his life. Long story short, as he recovers, it has made us look at and evaluate life in a totally different way. The things that felt important and a big deal before he got ill, now, just are not! This is a great, thought proving post, thank you for sharing x

    • Reply
      themindfulmdmom
      February 1, 2018 at 11:49 am

      Great to hear from you! I am sorry to hear about your husband’s illness. How are yall so far? It is crazy how we go from just cruising along to wow I really need to live my life and make it count! Thanks for sharing your experience with me.

  • Reply
    rayane
    February 14, 2018 at 10:25 am

    thanks for sharing, i loved reading this and i also think that stepping out of the comfort zone has a veryyy big influence on success, however, not every one has the courage to do so. I think encouraging ourselves and always reading motivational stuff can definitely help.

  • Reply
    Allie
    February 14, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    “I am too busy to think about that right now” is definitely me! I know it’s important but it feels like one extra thing on the to-do list. I hate that it usually takes something tragic for our mindsets to change and for us to start making the necessary changes in our lives. I will continue to work on this using the tips you suggested. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Reply
    Jenn
    February 14, 2018 at 10:02 pm

    Stepping out of your comfort zone is a big one! You learn and see new things that way!

  • Reply
    Natalie
    February 15, 2018 at 10:57 pm

    All excellent points. I always have such a hard time staying present and not getting lost in planning for the future!

  • Reply
    rizelle
    February 22, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    gotta love this kind of post it is so uplifting!

  • Reply
    Ruby
    February 23, 2018 at 12:40 am

    It’s interesting how “I’m too busy” has become such a common phrase. We almost boast about our lack of time, yet it’s nothing boast-worthy. I even found my daughter walking around the house saying “I’m too busy” at one point, which was a defining factor in me taking a step back and reevaluating my “busy-ness”. Thanks for the tips.

  • Reply
    Natalie
    February 23, 2018 at 8:57 am

    These are all things I really struggle with – especially being present. I tend to be doing something ALL the time, even when it’s family time. I’m glad your test results came back negative !

  • Reply
    Flossie McCowald | SuperMomHacks
    February 23, 2018 at 9:58 pm

    I’m so glad your health scare was just that – only a scare! I like your suggestions for optimal living; being “present” and being intentional are ones I’ve been working on for awhile now.

  • Reply
    Rachel
    February 25, 2018 at 7:42 pm

    I have definitely been trying to live more intentionally which also went hand in hand with having identified goals.

  • Reply
    Jennifer Corter
    February 26, 2018 at 11:23 am

    I think stepping out of my comfort zone is the hardest thing for me to do. But I know I won’t make any progress anywhere in my life if I don’t.

  • Reply
    JLyn
    March 13, 2018 at 11:59 am

    Great suggestions. I’m definitely working on getting out of my concern zone more. Living with anxiety and being something of an introvert makes that hard, but I’m trying!

    • Reply
      themindfulmdmom
      March 16, 2018 at 12:07 pm

      Getting out of the comfort zone is not easy. Keep me posted on how things are going 🙂

  • Reply
    Amina
    March 22, 2018 at 9:07 am

    Yess!! Amazing read!’ Loved it and thanks for sharing this with us!

  • Reply
    Millennial Doctor
    March 22, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    My husband and I literally asked ourselves this question in the last week – Are we living our best lives? I’ve been going through burnout as a fellow physician, and I’m still trying to wade through the muck. Some moments of clarity here and there, but I think I really should go through a more systematic approach. Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    themindfulmdmom
    March 23, 2018 at 3:23 am

    Physician burnout is hard and most physicians go through it at one point or another. I have a post on physician work life balance that you may find helpful. Where are you at in the process of figuring out what to do with life? No one has it all figured out, it is a work in progress. Keep me posted.

    • Reply
      Millennial Doctor
      March 23, 2018 at 4:48 pm

      I’m still trying to figure things out. I think the first thing for me to do is to actually work a 40 hour work week, which is so silly to say, but has been incredibly hard for me to do. I’ll be sure to look at your post!

      • Reply
        themindfulmdmom
        March 26, 2018 at 11:49 am

        Not silly at all! As physicians, our work does not stop when we leave the office and many uncounted hours are spent with work related activities. If you are aiming for 40 hours, my rec would be to cut back hours if you can. Aiming for working part time at 0.50-0.75 FTE (less than full time employment) will put you around a 40 hr work week (counting time for EMR, answering patient calls, etc). Keep me posted and don’t hesitate to email me if you want to talk further. I am happy to share my experience and the changes I made for better life work balance.

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    Shelley
    March 26, 2018 at 11:52 am

    Prioritizing your goals is SO important and something I forget to do regularly. Thanks for the reminder.

  • Reply
    Jennifer
    March 31, 2018 at 4:49 pm

    I love this! Living with intention is so important to me, and my meditation practice helps me to reflect daily.

  • Reply
    Nivedita Das
    April 1, 2018 at 10:34 am

    Stepping our of your comfort zone is so important and people ignore its importance. most of the time.
    Also, I hope your health is fine and stays fine.

  • Reply
    Cristina
    April 1, 2018 at 11:40 am

    Love your post . Such great motivation to start of the month.

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    Kristen Kasper Stuppy
    July 25, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    This is such an important post. So many of us are busy all day every day, yet what do we have to show for it? Taking the time to reflect on who we are and what we really want so we can be intentional in staying true to ourselves is important.

  • Reply
    Dunston
    October 3, 2018 at 7:28 pm

    You could definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  • Reply
    T
    September 18, 2019 at 1:30 am

    Having read this I believed it was really enlightening.
    I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this article together.

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