Happenstance vs. Intentionality: Living and Working on Purpose

When we have a great weekend, for example, it’s easy to think it was happenstance, when in fact, there were variables you can repeat intentionally in the future.  Understanding what impacts your level of happiness or satisfaction, and implementing them into your life intentionally, is truly a game-changer. It’s figuring out the equation or recipe for what works or, perhaps, what doesn’t.

The next time you have a great workday, evening, or weekend, look back at the components that made up that time. Was there time outdoors, exercise, social activity, nap, connected time alone or with others, meditation, giving back? Did you complete an assignment or see the impact you made on your client or team? Was there a time of day that was better for a specific type of task?

Yes, this concept is applicable to work, as work and life intersect. I encourage people to take this tool or exercise into every area of their life…especially when things have gone exceptionally well. Write those things down and start constructing your days based on your findings.  

JP Box, author of the book, “The Millennial Lawyer: How Your Firm Can Motivate and Retain Young Associates,” published by the American Bar Association in 2018, said the following in his blog: 

When the once-separate spheres of “work” and “life” begin to blend and intersect, many Millennial associates feel more comfortable and ready to contribute to their law firms. In a sense, when we try to balance work against life, we unintentionally tend to short-change both.

Over time, as you begin intentionally putting those activities or situations into your life, it will make a difference.  

We all have to do things don’t want to do. That’s just part of life. However, if we can start adding what we know to make an impact, plan, and look forward to those things, there is a benefit on the front end by looking forward to and on the back end for having experienced it.