Embracing Intentionality: A Reflection on Proverbs 19:3
“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.”- Proverbs 19:3
This scripture speaks deeply to a recurring truth in life: often times, our frustration and dissatisfaction doesn’t stem from external factors, but from the consequences of our own lack of intentionality. For me, this verse has been both a mirror and a compass. It has revealed the ways pride, unawareness, and a an absence of structure have steered me off course, and it has pointed me toward a path of purposeful living.
In this post, I’ll share my journey of recognizing he pitfalls of unintentionality, finding clarity through reflection, observation and embracing coaching as a means to live with purpose. My hope is that this reflection inspires you to take steps toward unlocking your own potential.
The Cost of Unintentionality
There have been seasons of my life where I felt overwhelmed, stuck and uncertain. These feelings gave way to frustration- and, at times, misplaced anger toward God. It was easier to blame Him and others than to confront the hard truth: I was moving through life without intention.
I wasn’t pausing to reflect on what mattered most. I wasn’t prioritizing or organizing my time. What’s worse, I wasn’t allowing myself the space to rest or recalibrate nor was I protecting my rest properly. This chaotic approach to life invited feelings of guilt and worry, particularly about the tasks I hadn’t completed or the goals I’d failed to pursue.
Without a clear structure or sense of purpose, I was, as Proverbs 19:3 puts it, “ruining” my life through unintentionality. And the frustration I felt? That was a natural consequence of my own choice, or lack thereof.
Finding Clarity Through Reflection
Turning things around required me to take a hard look at myself. Which I began to do when I signed up for the Advanced Executive Leadership Program with the NSLS (National Society of Leadership and Success). Through my Better Me Better World Project I was able to utilize a simple but powerful tool: a personal SWOT analysis. If you’re unfamiliar with this frame work it stands for:
Strengths: What am I good at? Where do I thrive?
Weaknesses: What habits or behaviors are holding me back?
Opportunities: Where do I see potential for growth, contribution, or purpose?
Threats: What distractions, fears, or obstacles could derail my progress?
This exercise was eye-opening! It brought into sharp focus the ways I was sabotaging my own growth:
Strengths: I identified my confidence in specific areas such as my ability to connect deeply with others and my drive to serve. These were the gifts I could lean into as I pursued my purpose.
Weaknesses: As an introvert, I have a tendency to withdraw when faced with challenges. While this habit might feel safe in the moment, it often prevents me from stepping into opportunities.
Opportunities: My reflections revealed a calling to live transparently, to share my story, and to serve others by helping then uncover their own potential.
Threats: I saw how distractions, self-doubt, and a lack of boundaries threatened to pull me off course.
Through this analysis, I recognized a fundamental truth: Unintentionality is a choice. Every time I avoided setting boundaries, failed to prioritize rest, or neglect to plan, I was making a decision to invite frustration and burnout into my life.
The Role of Coaching and Intentional Living
Acknowledging my need for change was only the first step. I needed tools and support to move forward. This is where coaching became a transformative force in my life.
As an introvert, I naturally shy away the spotlight (still a bit of a struggle for me). Yet, I've come to understand that my purpose requires me to be transparent and to connect with others. Coaching provided the structure, accountability, and encouragement I needed to step into this calling.
Accountability: Having a coach reminded me that I didn’t have to figure everything out on my own. It was freeing to have someone guide me, challenge me, and celebrate my progress.
Clarity: Through coaching, I gained a deeper understanding of my goals and how to align them with my values.
Support: Perhaps most importantly, coaching provided a safe space to explore my doubts and fears without judgement.
Intentional living doesn’t mean every moment is meticulously planned. Rather, it means aligning your actions with your values and creating a rhythm of life that supports your purpose. Coaching helped me see that intentionality isn’t about perfection- it’s about progress.
An Invitation to Start Your Journey
If any part of this resonates with you, I want you to know you’re not alone. Unintentionality can creep into anyone’s life, but the good news is that you have the power to change the course.
As part of my journey toward becoming an ICF-certified life coach, I’m offer pro bono and donation-based coaching sessions through February. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next steps, I’d love to walk alongside you as you begin the jouney of freeing yourself.
Together, we can:
Clarify your values and goals
Identify the strengths and opportunities that make you uniquely equipped to succeed.
Address the weaknesses and threats that may be holding you back.
Develop a plan to bring greater intentionality and purpose to your life.
This is your invitation to take the first step. You don’t have to figure it all out at once; you just need to start.
Closing Thoughts:
Proverbs 19:3 reminds us that frustration often stems from our own choices. But this isn’t a message of condemnation- its a message of hope. If our choices have led us astray, then our choices can also lead us back to the right path.
Through reflection, intentionality, and support in coaching, I’ve found clarity and purpose in my life. And I believe the same is possible for you.
The question is: What step will you take today to embrace intentionality and unlock your potential?
Let’s walk this journey together. Reach out for your coaching session above and start turning your frustration into fuel for growth.
Cheers,
Nia