Don’t Live Life on Cruise Control
I Like to Be Deliberate
“We can choose to go wherever the winds of life happen to blow us,
or we can intentionally chart a course that will blow us away.”
Craig D. Lounsbrough
I like to be deliberate, to take actions with intent, and to say words that matter.
I want to do it every day, and especially today as we kick off a new year.
The concept of being deliberate, in contrast to a life lived without intention, is an exploration of how we choose to navigate our existence. The opposite of a deliberate life might be one where we simply follow the paths laid out by others or by circumstance, without active decision-making. It can be likened to being adrift at sea, letting the winds and currents dictate direction, or sitting in the passenger seat on "cruise control," without actively engaging in the journey.
A non-deliberate existence might involve mimicry, where actions are based on others' choices rather than our own, or fulfilling societal expectations without questioning their relevance to our personal aspirations. It could be characterized by a lack of clear purpose, aimlessly spending time, or engaging in the endless "rat race," seeking externally defined success without fulfillment.
However, embracing a deliberate approach to life is not just appealing to me, but profoundly empowering. To be deliberate is to approach life with thoughtfulness and intention, to weigh decisions, and to engage in the art of careful decision-making. This conscientious approach applies to all aspects of life, including work, relationships, parenting, leadership, and creative pursuits.
Deliberateness is a skill, honed through practice, and it equips us with the ability to perform at a higher level when faced with life's inevitable challenges. Key attributes of being deliberate include:
Passion for a purpose.
Informed decision-making through research.
A belief in the value and feasibility of one's goals.
Confidence in one's abilities.
Seeking appropriate input and support.
Thoughtful planning.
Commitment to self-accountability.
Inspiration and energy driven by anticipated outcomes.
Perseverance, regardless of obstacles.
Others have identified crucial elements of living deliberately. Mike Philips emphasizes the necessity of vision, planning, and action. He advocates for a clear vision of the desired outcome, a written plan (imperfect as it may be) for accountability, and the initiation of action, however imperfect, to maintain momentum.
Carolyn Stuart connects deliberateness with leadership, noting that when we clarify the purpose of our actions, we transform our practice into deliberate acts of leadership, bringing benefits not only to ourselves but also to those around us.
Michael McMahon adds that deliberate action, while centered on the individual, is often altruistic. Passionate, intentional action has a ripple effect, influencing and transforming the experiences of others.
A deliberate life is a life of choice. It is a life where we steer our own ship, set our own course, and take ownership of our journey. The deliberate person stands as the architect of their destiny, building a life not of chance, but of choice.
And in your business in 2024? Be deliberate about addressing your challenges around sales and growth: talk to us about how we can help.
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Mike Philips – Being Deliberate
Carolyn Stuart – Deliberate, purposeful, valuable
Michael McMahon – Five in Five: Being Deliberate