Do It On Purpose

"Just Do It"

We've all heard that one...probably until we're sick of hearing it...but

I still like it! 

It's brief and to the point...we all know what they're telling us--

'Get off your butt and do something active!' 

But today I want to take the concept a step further by adding one word...intentionally--on-purpose, deliberately, consciously, with intent. 

'Just Do It Intentionally'

I like that even better.

And I think it should apply to more areas of life, and not only fitness. 

I was reminded of that this week when I found myself with 2 doctors' appointments on the same day. I saw my cardiologist in the morning and I was supposed to see my neurologist in the afternoon, but I had to cancel because I had nothing left...No muscular energy. Nothing in the tank. Not one more step to give.

I don't usually do that--Cancel appointments at the last minute, I mean. So when I called, they were very understanding and a bit concerned. I explained what I had done. We rescheduled.

I was lax with my calendar... Not paying attention. I was not intentional.

Sometime, somewhere a month or so ago, I made an appointment and didn't look to see what I already had going on that day. This comes natural for me. I wasn't born being intentional. I'm more of a free-spirit, know what I mean? I've had to learn...

I know this is only a tiny example of not being intentional with something. There are much more important ones in life that I got to thinking about where it's necessary to be intentional.

As usual, when something hits me that I think is worth sharing, I have to tell you about it. So here are the top 5 things I feel we need to be more intentional about in our lives:

1) Relationships. You knew I was going to say that, didn't you? Anyone familiar with me, knows this ranks first in my book! Spouses must come first I believe. So, be intentional.  Send texts, make phone calls, schedule dates, schedule sex, schedule coffee, schedule whatever it is that's important to you, on purpose. If you want it to happen, chances are it won't if you leave it to chance.

2) Children. Yes, your kids! And technically, this also falls under relationships, but parenting is different. It must also be done with intentionality! Kids don't turn out great by accident. You have one, count 'em, one chance to get it right. Schedule time with that child--alone. I don't care what it is...a meal, ice cream, time at the park, a walk, reading a book, cooking, painting, baking...whatever. But do something together where you can talk and interact. And do it once a week! That kid will be gone before you know it, but he/she will carry those special memories of alone-time with you throughout their lifetime!

"But my kid is a great kid," you say. "She's on the honor roll or takes all AP classes. He/she is a genius who makes all A's!" 

I don't care.

None of that makes your child great! I know a genius who is basically unemployable. He finally got hired at a local gas station as a cashier, but only on a trial basis. 

Why? 

Because he kept getting fired from his 'real' job as a medical researcher. Absolutely no one could stand to be around him. He couldn't be a team player.

Where is your son or daughter's heart? What is their behavior like? Do they work and play well with others? Or are they selfish brats that no one can tolerate? 

It's up to you, mom and dad. 

Like it or not, your kid is going to be accountable to someone their entire life. We all are. If you're married, it's a spouse. If you're a parent, it's a child. If you're employed, it's a boss. If you own a business, it's your clients and business partners. If you have a significant other, it's them. Get the idea? 

3) Work. This one has morphed a lot for me personally. Maybe it has for you too. When I had to report to an office, things were more regimented, of course. I had to be intentional about when I

arrived, when I ate lunch and when I left for the day. 

But now that I work for myself, remotely, I have complete autonomy. That can be a good thing or it can be a not-so-good thing. I quickly realized that my 'freedom' needed to be reined in as soon as possible! I was not to be trusted!

So I scheduled work days, blocking off times to write on my calendar. Physically, I can only tolerate about 3 hours, so I get up and get dressed on those days, as if I'm going to an office. I grab my computer, my phone and my checklist. Then I head to 1 of 4 Starbucks in my area, where my 'offices' are located! 

I order my tall, nonfat latte, and make myself at home. Then I'm all set to do my research, listen to podcasts (with my headphones), network and write articles! It has become my routine 3 days a week and if I didn't do it, I'd never get anything done. Or at least I'd get very little done. I have to do it on purpose. 

4) Fitness. Yes, you knew I'd eventually get here. What do you expect from an athlete and certified personal trainer? I had to get here...

Let's say you're trying to shed a few pounds and you need to start an exercise program. 

I know you don't have time. I know you've tried everything. I know you hate to exercise. I know you eat all the right things. I know you've tried the South Beach Diet, the Adkins Diet and the Wheat-free diet. 

I know. I know. I know...

I've heard it ALL. Many times.

So let's get real. This is math, ok? It's not emotion.  

It's math. 

You use more calories than you take in. Period. That's it. 

Use more calories than you take in, on a daily basis, everyday, consistently, for a week, then a month, then 3 months and then for 6 months...then a year! 

And voilà! You've done it! 

But you have to do it on purpose. You can't guess your way through it. 

It's not nebulous. You can't say, "I wonder if I'm eating too much today," or "I know I'm making good food choices. I sure hope I lose some weight." Or, I hope I get some exercise in today!" 

Get an app and start counting every bite you put in your mouth including gum, mints and drinks! On purpose! Then, find a cardio activity you enjoy (walking, biking, running, roller blading). Schedule that activity and do it on purpose! Then you may subtract the calories you've burned during exercise! And if you need help, contact me on Twitter at @Doodisgirl 

I'd be happy to help you! 

5) Faith. Yes, I'm a Christian, so for me, this one is actually at the top of my list. It goes first, in the relationship category because my relationship with God, through Christ, is first and foremost in my life. It is above all else because He is above all else. Jesus Christ has given me my identity in this life. 

Bible study, prayer, worship and witnessing to others are like exercise for my spiritual being.  Without them, I wither and fade. With them, I live and thrive. So I strive to practice them, on purpose, so I remain strong in my faith. 

I've learned something really important along the way...When I am spiritually strong, the rest of me is  also strong! "Those that wait on the the Lord, will renew their strength. We will mount up with wings like eagles. We will run and not grow weary. We will walk and not faint." 

"Do It On Purpose"

I hope you will my friends. 

I wish you the peace that comes from living life with intentionality. I have a feeling we will look back one day, and have fewer regrets than otherwise...

xx God Bless You