
Want to know the #1 reason most people are not as happy and fulfilled in their lives as they want to be? Most of us spend too much time on auto-pilot instead of living intentionally. When you switch gears to be more intentional in your life, everything changes for the better.
Wayne Dyer, the author of The Power of Intention, wrote, “The power of intention is the power to manifest, to create, to live a life of unlimited abundance, and to attract into your life the right people and the right moments.”
The Power of Intention is one of my favorite books of all time, and that’s because the advice Wayne Dyer shares has helped me transform my life in so many ways.
Choosing to live my life intentionally has helped me make big changes in my life, including leaving a job after 22 years (it paid great, but I was very unhappy); finding new work that I enjoy much more; mustering up the courage to move across country; and dealing effectively with a life-long struggle with depression (I can’t say I’m cured, but I’m soooooo much better now!).
I know that when I live on purpose rather than out of mindless habit, my life just works better. I’ve seen the power of this truth time and again in my life.
When you’re connected to the power of intention, everywhere you go, and everyone you meet is affected by you and the energy you radiate. As you become the power of intention, you’ll see your dreams being fulfilled almost magically, and you’ll see yourself creating huge ripples in the energy fields of others by your presence and nothing more.
Wayne Dyer Tweet
5 Power Habits for Living Intentionally
Below are five habits that you can adopt now to be more intentional about the way you lead your life. I know I’m not overselling it when I say these are total game-changers! When you start living intentionally, your life will transform in beautiful ways.

1. Listen to your higher self
There is inner wisdom inside you that already has a vision for your life; it’s the vision you truly long to achieve. Be more intentional about how you live. Spend time in peace and silence to hear what the voice of your higher self is saying.
2. Make decisions based on what you want most
Be more intentional in your decision-making process. Ask yourself: does this decision serve me both now and in the long-run, too?
If you’re to live your very best life, then you’ll need to be more intentional about your life and make trade-offs between what you want in the moment and what you really truly want. Often they are not one and the same.
3. Pause before you act
The simple act of taking a brief pause before engaging in any action can work miracles in your life. Set a goal to be more intentional and less reactive. Pause – breathe – then act deliberately, not out of impulsiveness.
4. Check your "joy" level often
Steve Jobs used to make a habit of asking himself if he was happy in his work each day, and if there were too many days in a row where he wasn’t happy, he knew he needed to make a change.
Are you experiencing frequent bouts of joy in your life? If you’re not, that’s a sure sign that you’re not living your life the way it’s meant to be lived.
Reflect on what brings you joy and take proactive steps to experience more moments of joy in your life.
5. Start each morning on a positive note
If you want to be more intentional with how you live your life, you must be intentional about how you start your day. Mornings are the perfect time to “tune into” what you do want in your life. Focus on how you want to think and feel that day. Set your “internal radio station” to positive, peaceful, and joyful.
Your vision for your future includes being happy and fulfilled, and to experience that vision, begin every day with what you truly want foremost in your mind.
Being Intentional About How You Live Your Life Leads to a Happier Life
It’ really is that simple. Living on auto-pilot can lead to stress, frustration, and aggravation in your life. Living with intention leads to more success, happiness, peace, abundance, and fulfillment.
When you look at it that way, it’s easy to see that being more intentional each and every day is one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make.
Create a life you truly love; begin living intentionally today starting with the 5 habits described here. If you need additional help, then pick up a copy of Wayne Dyer’s book, The Power of Intention. It’ll change your life.