Being Intentional in the Face of Distraction
Let’s be honest. We live in a world that constantly pulls our attention in a million directions. Social media. Work deadlines. The Netflix show that everyone says you have to watch. And before you know it, another week (or year) has flown by.
Being intentional means waking up from autopilot. It means checking in with yourself regularly to ask: Is this what I want? If not, what do I want to do with my life? What am I looking for? Am I spending my energy on what matters most? If not, gently course-correct.
Sometimes this means setting boundaries. Sometimes it means taking a brave leap. And sometimes, it simply means doing less so you can be more present with what’s in front of you. That’s the essence of living a meaningful life.
Living for Meaning: A Daily Practice
There are so many creative ways to keep memento mori top of mind. You can journal, reflect at the end of the day, or even try something symbolic like a “mortality marble” jar (yep, that’s a thing). The point is to stay connected to the reality that life is short — not to scare yourself, but to keep yourself honest.
Karen did a wild but brilliant thing: she wrote her own eulogy. Not the one others might write for her, but one from her future self to her present self. Who she wanted to become. What she wanted to be remembered for.
And I have to say, this exercise is LIFE-CHANGING. When you clarify what matters most to you, you can start building a life around that vision — not just grinding through your inbox.
Karen also created what she calls a To-Die List. It’s like a to-do list, but way more soulful. Instead of “buy almond milk,” it’s things like: “Call Mom because I want to be a loving daughter,” or “Write chapter three because I am a writer.”
It’s all based on what she calls identity-based habits — small actions that align with your core values and who you want to be. This is a practice in being intentional, and I am HERE FOR IT.
The goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to be intentional. To make the most of each day. To stop waiting and start living. To choose courage, connection, creativity, and contribution — even when it’s hard.
How to Find Purpose in Life
So here’s my gentle but loving nudge: don’t wait for a crisis to wake you up. Live for meaning. Be intentional. Remember that life is short, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Live today like the precious, irreplaceable gift it is.
And if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by where to begin, I’d love to help. My Clarity and Confidence Coaching was made for moments just like this one. In this powerful work, you’ll reconnect with your deepest values, rediscover your purpose, and learn how to make intentional choices that move you toward the life you truly want.
Whether you’re navigating a big life transition or simply ready to stop running on autopilot, coaching gives you tools, insight, and support to create lasting, meaningful change.
Also, come hang out with me on Instagram or YouTube — I’m always sharing tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes real talk to help you stay connected to what really matters.
Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
P.S. If this message resonated with you, think of someone in your life who might need to hear it too. Forward this article to them. Let’s keep the ripple going. That’s living for meaning, too.
Resources:
Yuan, Z., Baranik, L. E., Sinclair, R. R., Sliter, M. T., Rand, K. L., & Salyers, M. P. (2019). Memento Mori: T he development and validation of the Death Reflection Scale. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 40(4), 417-433. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/job.2339
Heintzelman, S. J., & King, L. A. (2014). Life is pretty meaningful. American psychologist, 69(6), 561. https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2014-03265-001.html
Oyserman, Daphna. “Identity-based motivation.” Emerging trends in the social and behavioral sciences 38 (2015): 1-11. https://emergingtrends.stanford.edu/files/original/c7f48fa24e351a8742455195a9237a8d27b6dfc8.pdf
