A Beginner’s Take on Intentional Living

Photo by Jess Loiterton

I’ll admit it upfront: I’m not an expert in intentional living. In fact, I’m still figuring it out, and that’s totally okay. If you’ve ever felt like you’re supposed to be doing everything “just right”—the perfect self-care, the perfect routines—then this post is for you.

The idea of “living intentionally” sounds beautiful. It’s about being present, making conscious choices, and aligning your actions with your values. But, let’s be real—it’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to get it all perfect. And when you don’t, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed. I’ve been there.

So here’s my confession: I’m not a guru, I’m just someone trying to live a little more mindfully every day. And I’m learning that not being perfect is exactly where the peace is.

The Myth Of Perfection In Self-Care

When I first heard about intentional living, I had this fantasy in my head of someone who wakes up at 5 AM, drinks a green smoothie, meditates for an hour, and radiates calm all day long. Maybe you’ve seen those influencers or Pinterest-perfect moments, right? Well, spoiler alert: that’s not me.

In reality, I’ve come to learn that striving for perfection in self-care is a surefire way to burn out. I’ve done it. I’ve pushed myself to be that person with the "perfect" morning routine, only to end up stressed, exhausted, and feeling like I was failing at something I wasn’t even sure I wanted in the first place.

The truth is, perfection isn’t the goal. The more I tried to force it, the further I felt from the peaceful life I was hoping to create. I’ve learned that imperfection can actually be the greatest teacher.

The Challenges Of Intentional Living

Here are some of the challenges I’ve faced in trying to live intentionally, and I’m guessing you might relate to a few of these:

1. The Noise Of Expectations

   Everywhere you turn, there’s a voice telling you to do more, be more, achieve more. We’re expected to be productive, constantly “doing” something, posting on social media, and “perfecting” self-care. The pressure is real. Sometimes, just slowing down and being present feels like a luxury. It’s a daily struggle to tune out that noise and let go of what everyone else thinks I should be doing.

2. The Comparison Trap

   I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit scrolling through Instagram, admiring people who seem to have it all figured out—perfect routines, flawless lives, endless energy. The thing is, when I compare myself to those “perfect” images, I always feel like I’m falling short. But here’s the thing: nobody has it all together, and we’re all learning, one step at a time.

3. The Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)

   Choosing a slower, more intentional pace means turning down invitations, saying “no” more often, and prioritizing rest. It’s hard to feel like you’re missing out on things—on social events, on productivity, on being everywhere at once. But what I’m learning is that focusing on quality over quantity is the real key to peace. I’ve learned that I’m not missing out; I’m actually choosing to be present in the moments that matter.

Finding Peace In Progress, Not Perfection

I hit a turning point when I stopped thinking about intentional living as something I had to master and started seeing it as something I was just trying to practice every day. It’s not about getting it right every single time. It’s about making those small, mindful choices that feel true to me.

For example, I’ve stopped beating myself up if I don’t meditate for 30 minutes every day. Some days, it’s just taking a few deep breaths when I feel overwhelmed. Some days, it’s making a nourishing meal because I know it’ll make me feel better, not because it’s “Instagram-worthy.” And some days, it’s simply saying no to plans, so I can recharge—without guilt.

Embracing Imperfection As A Journey

I’m learning that living intentionally doesn’t require perfection. My journey is messy, and there are days when I feel like I haven’t made any progress at all. But then there are the small moments when I take a deep breath, set a boundary, or choose a moment of rest—and I know I’m moving forward, even if it’s just one tiny step.

If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of “perfect” self-care or intentional living, know that you’re not alone. This journey isn’t about doing everything right—it’s about being present, learning, and accepting that some days will be harder than others. And that’s more than okay. It’s more than enough.

If you’re on this path with me, I’d love to hear from you. What challenges have you faced on your intentional living journey? How do you practice self-care without feeling the pressure to be perfect? Let’s share our stories and keep growing—imperfectly, but intentionally.