Intentional is a BIG word with my fiancée and me. In fact, it’s our word for 2026. (Incidentally, the extra e indicates the feminine gender. Look it up if you don’t believe me.) 😁
Intentional means something done on purpose, with deliberate thought, design, or clear intent, rather than by accident or chance, often implying conscious choice and direction toward a specific goal or outcome.
Some people might think of this as being OCD, but no. I’ve lived with that guy. I should have realized it on the second day when I had a drink of water and placed the glass in the sink because the dishwasher was nearly done. I might have even used it again later, but I didn’t want to leave it on the counter. He immediately came over and said: “Hey man… One thing about me. I don’t like piles of dishes in the sink”. That’s OCD.
Another time, I noticed him ironing his undershirts, and yet another time, his sheets before making his bed. That’s OCD. In short, EVERYTHING had to be done his way. Annoying? Not really. I mean, it was his place, so I complied. Looking back, I also picked up a few things along the way.
If I had to crystallize what intentional living is for me, it's organization for the sake of efficiency and to make life easier in the long run.
Daily Non-Negotiables
- Keys and Wallet: In my pocket, and once I’m at home, in a drawer in my kitchen. (Seriously, if you’re always late because you’re looking for items you arbitrarily threw down somewhere as soon as you came in the door, you need to do this.)
- Phone: In my pocket, on the table next to me, or on the charger when I go to bed.
- Employee Badge: Every night when you leave work, put it in your glove box.
Kitchen
- Cooking: Clean as I go.
- Clean Up: As soon as the meal is finished. (Nothing worse than having to clean from the last meal before starting to cook the next meal.)
- Kitchen Reset: Every night before going to bed. (Nothing better than a clean kitchen in the morning when I come down to make coffee.)
- The New Deal: When my fiancée cooks, I clean. (I love helping her, and honestly, cleaning is my jam.)
Garage – This looks like any picture you’ve ever seen in a sales ad for garage organization.
- Workbench: Complete with pegboard and all hand tools hung up.
- Powertools: In their carrying cases and underneath the workbench.
- Shelving: The stainless steel bread racks at Lowe’s are the best. Pay extra for the wheels. Mobility is key for easy reorganization and sweeping out the garage.
- Standardized Containers: Airtight, no issues with bugs, and easy transport. Use these to adjust the height when assembling your shelves.
- Everything Else: Yard implements, bikes, etc. Hang up everything you can on the wall. Again, keep the area clean, and you might even be able to park in your garage.
Laundry and Closet:
- Laundry Cart: My cart has 3 hanging bags instead of an individual hamper, so my clothes are already sorted. That allows me to take the entire bag to the laundry room.
- Hangers: I hate folding clothes. I hang up everything as soon as the dryer is done to avoid ironing.
- Steamer: I also avoid ironing whenever possible.
- Closet: Organized by short-sleeve and long-sleeve in two areas of dress and casual.
Working Out: (Hugely important, but few people make time for it.)
- Office: Unless you’re lucky enough to have a gym at your place of work, I highly recommend picking a location between the office and your home.
- Work from Home:
- I used to go during lunch. I hate working out in the AM, and I could avoid the evening crowd.
- Extremely Intentional Option – I set up a home gym. My stand-up desk is 5 feet away, so there’s no excuse not to work out.
