Living With Intention
Part 2
Overcoming the Obstacles to Intentional Living
Introduction: Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough
In Part 1, we established that intentional living is the bridge between where you are and where you are called to be. But here’s the truth:
Clarity alone is not enough.
Many people know what they should do — yet still feel stuck. The gap between intention and action is where most dreams fade.
To close that gap, we must confront the obstacles that sabotage intentional living. Drawing again from the leadership wisdom of John C. Maxwell, we explore how to move from knowing… to doing.
1. Overcoming Fear and Uncertainty
Fear is the silent architect of average lives.
It whispers:
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What if you fail?
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What if you’re not ready?
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What if it doesn’t work?
Intentional living requires courage — not the absence of fear, but action in spite of it.
Maxwell reminds us:
“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily.”
Transformation is not dramatic. It is disciplined.
Start small:
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Make one brave decision.
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Have one uncomfortable conversation.
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Take one step toward growth.
Courage compounds. What feels impossible today becomes normal tomorrow.
Mavericks are not fearless — they are forward-moving.
2. Breaking Free from Procrastination
Procrastination is not laziness. It is misplaced priority.
When we delay what matters most, we unintentionally choose distraction over destiny.
Maxwell teaches:
“The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda.”
Your calendar reveals your commitment.
To overcome procrastination:
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Break goals into manageable actions
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Schedule what matters
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Set clear deadlines
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Remove decision fatigue
Intentional living is built in the ordinary rhythm of daily discipline. It is not the occasional burst of motivation that shapes your future — it is consistent action.
Small, daily decisions determine long-term direction.
3. Cultivating Resilience in Adversity
Challenges are not interruptions to intentional living — they are part of it.
Every meaningful pursuit will test you.
Maxwell wisely says:
“The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception and response to failure.”
Failure is feedback.
Setbacks are teachers.
Resistance builds strength.
Resilience means:
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Refusing to quit when momentum slows
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Adjusting strategy without abandoning vision
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Learning instead of blaming
Intentional living requires emotional maturity — the ability to stay aligned with your purpose even when circumstances are misaligned with your expectations.
Adversity does not define you. Your response does.
4. Eliminating Distractions and Guarding Your Focus
We live in an age of constant noise.
Notifications. Opinions. Endless scrolling. Competing demands.
Without discipline, distraction becomes the default setting of life.
Maxwell reminds us:
“Learn to say ‘no’ to the good so you can say ‘yes’ to the best.”
Not everything urgent is important.
Not everything good is necessary.
Intentional living demands:
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Digital boundaries
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Clear priorities
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Strategic “no’s”
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Focused energy
What you feed grows.
What you starve fades.
Guard your attention — it is your most valuable resource.
Final Reflection: From Intention to Action
Living with intention is not about inspiration — it is about implementation.
You will face fear.
You will battle distraction.
You will encounter setbacks.
You will wrestle with procrastination.
But here is the truth:
Every obstacle you overcome strengthens your capacity for purposeful living.
As Sam Njela reminds us:
Where your focus goes, your life follows.
In Part 3, we will explore the rewards of intentional living — how it transforms personal growth, relationships, leadership, and overall well-being.
Becoming Maverick is not about rebellion.
It is about responsibility.
Responsibility for your growth.
Responsibility for your choices.
Responsibility for your direction.
And that journey continues with one intentional step today.
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