Be Intentional

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘intentional’? 

Do you think, being purposeful, or taking a deliberate action that lines up with your beliefs, and values?

Many people have heard or read the verse from Proverbs 16:3, which states, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

One passage that has been important to me is from Philippians 4:6-7, which states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If we are not intentional then we simply flounder, make sub-standard decisions that cause distress to those around us, and make a mark against our character.

Being intentional, as stated in the dictionary, says “done with intention or on purpose”.

So, what does this mean for you and me? Are we intentional? Does what we do matter?  I believe that being intentional is important.  We should be intentional in our faith, friendships, relationships, workplaces, and aspects such as communication, kindness, work ethic, and mental and physical health.

Each moment being positively intentional adds up to create an affirmative outcome.  Do you commit your time wisely in undertaking your work, whether paid or voluntary, to achieve a productive outcome that benefits the business or organization? Do you use and plan well with available resources (staff, volunteers, products, equipment) to achieve the best result possible?

If we seek to be intentional, then first commit to becoming:

·        Wise in our planning,

·        Communicate with clarity and encouragement,

·        Meet deadlines and reporting timelines,

·        Be accountable,

·        Be kind.

Prayer, Plan, Prepare

 All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent. Isaiah 28:29 NIV

"Prayer, plan, prepare" emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from the Lord, creating a strategy, and taking action to achieve a desired outcome. It can be a helpful reminder for those looking to accomplish personal or professional goals.

Here are some ways to apply "Prayer, plan, prepare" in your daily work process.

Prayer: Start by seeking inspiration and guidance from reading Scripture, reflecting, and spending time with the Lord in conversation.

Plan: Once you have gathered inspiration and guidance, create a plan that outlines your goals, the scope of your article, event, or project, and the timeline. Consider real factors such as budget, resources, and any potential challenges that may arise.

Prepare: With a plan in place, it's time to act. Begin by preparing the necessary materials and resources and start executing your plan. Be open to adjusting as needed and remember to stay focused on your goal.

By applying "Prayer, plan, prepare" to your strategy, you can create a focused and intentional approach that helps you achieve your desired outcomes.

One way to incorporate "Prayer, plan, prepare" into your design process is to:

• Begin with a prayer to seek guidance and inspiration from the Lord,
• Create a plan that outlines your design goals, the scope of your project, and the timeline,
• Prepare by gathering the necessary resources and materials,
• Execute your plan with focus and intention, while remaining open to adjusting as needed,
• Continuously seek guidance through prayer and reflection throughout the design process, to ensure that your outcome is aligned with your values and intentions.

Remember, competent, creative processes require both inspiration and strategy.

By incorporating "Prayer, plan, prepare" into your approach, you can ensure outcomes that are both meaningful and effective.

 

Designing A Workspace that Inspires both Work and Passion

 Do you see your business or job solely as a means of generating income, or do you view it as a pursuit of your passion? 

This is a critical question to consider when it comes to designing a workspace that is both functional and inspiring. A workspace that is purely functional may not provide the level of motivation and creativity necessary for pursuing a passion, while a workspace that is solely designed for aesthetics may not be practical for generating income.

If you have clients presenting to your premises, is the workspace functional, tidy, welcoming, or cluttered, disorganized, and uninviting?

If your business is online, what do people see behind you as you communicate with them? Tasteful, inspiring backgrounds or chaotic, muddled piles and paperwork?

Therefore, balancing functionality and creativity is essential to creating a workspace that is conducive to both work and passion. Whether you are generating an income, studying, assisting Not-For-Profit organizations, or paying the household accounts, having a workspace that is inspiring and welcoming will help to ensure productivity rather than procrastination.

Here are a few ideas to achieve this balance:

• Incorporate natural light to brighten up your workspace and improve both your mood and those who attend to the office.

• Add plants to create a calming atmosphere that promotes focus and creativity.

• Utilize colours that promote productivity such as green, blue, and orange.

• Personalize your workspace with items that inspire creativity and motivation.

In the end, the goal is to create a workspace that supports all aspects of your work, whether it's generating income or pursuing your passion.