Jock Sturges is an artist whose work has long inspired us. His photographs, which he refers to as “visual memos,” are created with an acute sense of awareness and intentionality. They seek to capture the everyday beauty and subtle magic all around us that we so often overlook. In his new book, “The Power of Intentionality: How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes” (available from New World Library), Jock shares his years of wisdom about how small choices can lead to big changes in our lives — specifically, those choices regarding our time, energy, money, relationships and passions. We caught up with Jock recently to learn more about the book and his thoughts on inte
A brief introduction to “The Power of Intentionality”
The Power of Intentionality is a book about making small choices that lead to big changes in our lives. It’s about the power of intentionality: cultivating the awareness and focus that allow us to see and connect with what really matters, and then making the small choices that align with that. We can’t change the big things, but we can change a lot of little things, every day. They add up to big changes. And having a life you love is a lot easier when you’re aware of what you’re choosing. Choices are the connective tissue between intention and action.
How small choices lead to big changes
Most people have a sense that they don’t have enough time, energy or money to do all they’d like. But they don’t know what to cut out to make room for new activities or dreams. They mistakenly believe that life is just a series of random events, and that what happens is out of their control. But it’s not. It’s actually a series of choices that get made every day, often without our full awareness. They aren’t making the choices they want to make that would lead to the life they want to live. That’s why I wrote this book. It’s a guide for how to see and connect to what really matters, and then how to make small choices that align with that.
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Why is intentionality so important?
If you want to be happy, healthy and successful — if you want a fulfilling and meaningful life — you have to be aware of what you’re choosing. Choices are the connective tissue between intention and action. I think most of us are pretty good at the intention part — it’s the action part we struggle with. But once you become aware of your choices, then you can change them. And that’s where intentionality comes in. It’s about taking a small amount of time and energy every day to think about what you want and what you’re choosing — and then making sure you’re in the right spot. A lot of people think they don’t have time to think, to connect with their thoughts and feelings. But this is essential. It allows you to see if you’re in the right spot. If you’re not, you can change course a little. It also allows you to be where you are, rather than simply rushing from one thing to another. You can enjoy the moment you’re in.
Jock’s tips for cultivating intentionality
– Be present: Be in each present moment, with yourself and with others. – Connect to what matters: Be aware of what you’re choosing and why. Ask questions like “What do I want to take from this situation? What’s important to me?” – Remove barriers: Our barriers (fears, self-criticism, self-doubt and so on) hold us back from the life we want to live. They usually come from an unhealed wound from our past. – Let go of distractions: Distractions are a surefire way to keep you from the life you want to live. – Follow your path: Your path is your authentic journey through life. It’s where you’re meant to be. – Hold yourself accountable: You can’t do this alone. Find someone you trust and feel safe talking with. The best way to change your life is to talk about what you want to change.
Conclusion
The Power of Intentionality is a book about making small choices that lead to big changes in your life. It’s about being aware of what you’re choosing and why, and then making sure you’re in the right spot. Choices are the connective tissue between intention and action. Once you become aware of your choices, you can change them. And that’s where intentionality comes in. It’s about taking a small amount of time and energy every day to think about what you want and what you’re choosing, and then making sure you’re in the right spot. The more aware you are, the more choices you have. You can then decide if what you’re doing is the best thing for you.
