How Everyone Can Start Living More Intentionally With This One Question

13 Feb

When we want to change our life, we often want to do it all — wake up at 5 a.m., cut out all sugar, follow a rigid workout schedule, complete your daily 10 non-negotiables. And dare you miss one of these points, then you’ve “failed” and have to start over — again.

Now, pause for a second.

Don’t you rather want to change your life in a way that’s not just someone else’s playbook for a “perfect” lifestyle — but one aligned with you?

Flourish and thrive by taking actions that actually fit your personality, your needs, and your dream lifestyle?

I’ll let you in on a little secret: if you follow those Pinterest-perfect routines, you’ll fail sooner or later — because they’re not you. Instead of filling your cup, they slowly deplete it. Because they’re not aligned with you.

When something isn’t aligned with you, it requires extra effort and energy to sustain. It drains instead of replenishes.

So instead of a massive overhaul, over and over again — start small. But make it impactful.

One small, consistent shift.

That single shift builds momentum.

It’s the beginning of every intentional change you’ll ever make in your life.

If you want to change your life sustainably — to flourish and become your true, authentic self — you have to lay the groundwork. Plant the seed.

Everything else will grow from that seed.

And it’s simpler than you think.

Need proof? See below :)

The first domino

When we want to change our lives and finally find that perfect lifestyle that fits our personality, what we actually crave is intention.

And that begins with one simple question:

How do I feel, and what do I need right now?

That’s it — that’s the foundation.

A simple check-in that allows you to make choices aligned with your feelings, your energy, your needs, and your desires.

You.

And science confirms this:

Every small pause to notice your state of being reduces stress, strengthens attention, and—most importantly—interrupts “autopilot” mode. This pause helps you overcome impulsive reactions and instead make intentional choices. Even more, open awareness — simply noticing whatever arises — is especially effective in breaking habitual patterns.

Awareness is the first domino.

Make it practical

The beauty of this foundation is how easy it is to weave into everyday life.

The key is to ask yourself this question regularly throughout your day — short check-ins to stay in touch with your wellbeing.

Every beginning is hard, especially when it’s not yet a habit.

Here are some practical ways to start right away:

Habit stacking: Combine it with a task you already do daily without effort — brushing your teeth, making coffee, driving to work. My personal favorite is to stack it with your alarm clock in the morning. When your alarm goes off, before checking your phone, sit up and ask yourself this question. It will guide how you plan your day. Do you need extra gentleness? Maybe take a bath in the evening. More energy? Schedule a run over lunch.
Set reminders: Put an alarm every two hours as a “pause button” to check in and notice.
Journal it out: Based on your check-in question, create a “needs catalogue.” Over time, you’ll build a list of rituals and activities for different needs — physical, emotional, and mental. This becomes the foundation of your personal routines, ensuring they work for you, not against you. It’s your compass for when you lose touch with yourself.

Don’t underestimate the power of it

Yes, it’s a tiny shift.

We often dismiss something because it seems too small — not enough of a change.

But to change sustainably, it has to be achievable.

This tiny act is powerful.

Each check-in builds self-awareness. Self-trust.

It moves you closer to a life lived by intentional choice, not autopilot.

Over time, this small habit becomes fertile ground for bigger changes — healthier boundaries, routines that truly serve you, and more energy for what matters most.

Routines and habits are wonderful tools — but only if they’re aligned with you. This check-in ensures that whatever you add next is built from awareness, not obligation.

Are you willing to give it a chance?
To live by your own personal playbook — one built not on hustle, but on what you truly need?

Let me know — I’d love to hear.

Take care.

Love,
Lexie.

How Everyone Can Start Living More Intentionally With This One Question

The first domino

Make it practical

Don’t underestimate the power of it

Further Reading:

Why 'Staying Busy' is Actually Killing Your Productivity