An intentional woman focuses on and nurtures what is important to her and doesn’t leave anything to chance. This quality spreads across her lifestyle, attitude, relationships, dressing, mindset and general view of life. She’s intentional about everything. Her choices, how she lives her life, how she’s perceived and treated and also what she tolerates, lets go of, or chooses to ignore or go after.
- Self-care is very important to her. From healthy lifestyle choices to skincare routines and personal grooming. She takes good care of herself. I remember making friends with someone just because of how she’s always put together, every detail in place and not even a strand of hair out of place. These things take a lot of effort for some of us, but they come naturally to one who is intentional about it. As she takes these in stride, they also reflect in her home and how her children even look.
- Self-preservation. I’d earlier mentioned that she’s intentional about what she focuses on or what is worth her time. She’s pretty much a mind-your-business kind of girl. She’ll offer her help and support when it’s needed, but she won’t die on that hill trying to save you. She respects boundaries and space. She always pursues growth and is never tired of learning new things. She has drive and fully embraces personal development.
- Unlike the regular Jane, who puts everyone first, an intentional Jane puts herself first. Many may think this to be selfish, but I do not think so. Putting yourself and making sacrifices mean two different things. Now and then, you’re expected to concede a little and make sacrifices here and there. But making sacrifices all the time opens the door to being taken for granted and taken advantage of. Putting yourself first is self-preservation and helps you balance things. She gives respect and also appreciates it. And very selective of who she lets in her space.
- Because she has embraced growth, she welcomes mentors and is equally as open to being mentored, corrected and learning in general. She forms her own opinion and doesn’t swallow what is generally dished out. For every situation, she questions, analyses, and evaluates before forming an opinion. We love to listen to every point of view and then form our own. If this isn’t a top-tier objective, I don’t know what it is.
- An intentional woman has mastered her emotions. Over time, she has learned when to turn them off and be logical and when to allow it to serve. Her emotions will never be allowed to lead.
- An intentional woman can always be seen trying new things. Because she embraces growth, she’s a go-getter. New skills, new business, etc. She’s always got something new she’s working on and trying to achieve. And when things don’t go her way (and they don’t, many times), she finds ways to temporarily adapt, readjust her sail, restrategise and then lunge forward.
We all need to be that intentional woman. We need to have her in our corner because they’re great personalities to shadow.
- Joy Mfon Essien is an Entrepreneur and the CEO, of Discover Essence Media, Millionaire Woman Soapworks and Delicioso Foods. Writer, TV presenter and producer, Wellness Coach and mom of two.
