The Art of Intentional Living
"You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop." — Rumi
This evocative quote by the 13th-century mystic poet Rumi encapsulates a profound truth. The potential we carry within us is vast, dynamic, and often underestimated. Each of us is not merely a participant in life, buffeted by its currents but we are also powerful contributors, with the capacity to shape reality through our thoughts, intentions, and actions. Yet far too often, we succumb to the narrative of limitation.
We think small.
We play safe.
We shrink ourselves to fit into spaces we were never meant to occupy.
I am putting the finishing touches to , The Art of Intentional Living, a public seminar that takes leadership, especially self leadership beyond the workplace. It's more than a motivational message, it's a framework for transformation.
Intentional living is about reclaiming agency in a world that is constantly trying to script our roles for us. It is about pausing to ask, Who am I becoming? and Is this truly my path? It's about being deliberate in our choices, conscious in our habits, and bold in our vision for ourselves.
Walk with me.
Recently my wife challenged me to buy a bag I have had tucked away on my pinterest board. It is a thing of beauty but is more than I have ever spent on a bag before. She literally said to me, “I am going to stand over you and watch you until you buy it. You deserve it so why are you playing small?”. Ouch.
Yes I bought it. Some hills you climb others you die on.
But it got me thinking that while I develop this presentation how do we challenge ourselves.
What limited thoughts have stopped you from reaching your full potential, personally and professionally?
What internal scripts do you rehearse, perhaps unconsciously, that whisper I'm not ready, I'm not enough, This isn’t for people like me?
Think of the habits, beliefs, and behaviours that have taken root over the years. How many of them are truly yours? How many were inherited and shaped by the physical environment of your upbringing or the virtual ecosystems we now inhabit online?
In the age of algorithms and echo chambers, our sense of self is constantly being edited. And too often, it is edited down.
One of the most transformative ideas I am looking to explore in the seminar is the concept of high agency versus low agency. High-agency individuals believe they have the power to shape their circumstances, even when conditions are adverse. Low-agency individuals, on the other hand, often wait for permission or ideal conditions before they act. This distinction can dramatically influence how we engage with the world. High agency doesn't mean ignoring systemic barriers; rather, it means refusing to be defined by them.
So, how do we begin to dismantle these limiting patterns?
The first step is awareness. Journal your thoughts and fears. What language do you use about yourself? Who told you these things?
Instead of I can't, try What if I could? Change your questions to change your mindset.
Surround yourself with people, spaces, and content that stretch your thinking, not stifle it.
Just as physical health requires exercise, mental resilience demands training. Meditation, affirmations, gratitude practices, and breathwork are all tools to build that strength.
Start with small, consistent steps that signal to your brain that you are in motion, not stuck.
History is rich with examples of individuals who refused to be defined by their circumstances. Consider Maya Angelou, whose early life was marked by trauma and silence, yet she became a voice for millions. Think of Malala Yousafzai, who challenged the Taliban's edicts and became a global advocate for girls’ education. Or Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years imprisoned but never allowed bitterness to cloud his vision for a free South Africa. Their stories remind us that unlimited thinking isn't about blind optimism but rather it's about radical clarity and the courage to imagine a new story.
Let me leave you with a coaching challenge:
Take one limiting belief you currently hold and write it down. Then rewrite it, not just with optimism, but with intentionality. Examples: "I’m not good at public speaking" becomes "I am learning to communicate with power and presence." Or “I feel like an imposter at work” becomes “Myself and others sacrificed for me to get this far, so I deserve to be here”
Commit to one small action this week that aligns with this new belief.
Break the shell. Step beyond the script. You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the ocean in a drop.
The Art of Intentional Living is almost complete, but in the meantime for coaching or speaking engagements that speak to breaking limited beliefs around leadership, organisational storytelling or resilience holla at me. Let’s work together to unlock your highest potential.
