I started writing my book, Living on Purpose, because I wanted to build something unique to myself — something that reflected my skills, served the clients who saw value in what I brought to the table, and gave me autonomy over my days.
But more than that, I wanted to show my kids what it actually looks like to live out your passions. So when they grow up, they feel not just capable, but compelled to do the same.
That’s been the driving force behind everything I’ve built over the past decade — my freelance practice, my independent consulting business, this newsletter, the podcast. It’s all been in service of one question: What does it mean to live intentionally?
Living intentionally isn’t about having it all figured out.
It’s about making conscious choices with your time, your energy, and the impact you make while you’re here.
I think about this constantly in my work with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. The best leaders I know aren’t the ones with perfect five-year plans or flawless execution. They’re the ones asking the right questions:
Is this good for us?
Does this align with what we believe in?
Are we setting an example for our team and our community?
If the answer isn’t clear, it’s time to reevaluate.
For me, living intentionally is about promoting what I believe in and hopefully helping people along the way. That choice has been wonderful — and very humbling at times. There have been slow seasons where I questioned everything. There have been moments when I wondered if I should just get a “real job” with benefits and a steady paycheck.
But then I remember why I started this in the first place.
I wanted my girls to see that you don’t have to choose between stability and passion. That you can build a life that serves you while serving others. That work doesn’t have to drain you — it can energize you when it’s aligned with what you actually believe in.
The same principle applies to your organization’s story.
When you make conscious choices about how you communicate your mission, your message resonates more deeply with the people you’re here to serve. You stop trying to be everything to everyone and start speaking directly to the hearts of the people who share your values.
You stop second-guessing every decision because you have a clear framework for evaluating what aligns with your purpose and what doesn’t.
You build something that feels authentic — not because you’re following a template, but because you’re making choices that reflect who you actually are and what you actually care about.
That’s what I help organizations do. I work primarily with nonprofits, health and wellness ventures, and mission-driven entrepreneurs who are scaling, pivoting, or seeking brand refreshes. Organizations that care about their communities as much as their bottom line.
Because here’s what I’ve learned over 10+ years of freelancing and 2 years running my own consulting business:
The organizations that make the biggest impact aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets or the flashiest campaigns. They’re the ones that know exactly what they stand for and communicate it clearly.
They’re the ones asking the hard questions and making conscious choices about where to invest their time, energy, and resources.
They’re the ones living — and working — intentionally.
Three ways to start living more intentionally this week:
1. Audit one decision you’re facing right now. Ask yourself: Is this good for me/us? Does this align with what I/we believe in? Am I/Are we setting an example? If you can’t answer clearly, that’s your signal to pause and dig deeper.
2. Identify one thing you’re doing out of habit, not intention. Maybe it’s a weekly meeting that no longer serves anyone. Maybe it’s a messaging angle that worked three years ago but doesn’t reflect who you are now. Name it, then decide if it stays or goes.
3. Write down what matters most to you right now—not five years ago, not in some idealized future, but right nowin this phase of your life or your organization’s journey. Let that list guide your next three choices. See what shifts.
So here’s my question for you: What questions do you ask when evaluating if something aligns with your mission?
Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.
P.S. If your organization is in a transition—scaling, pivoting, or seeking a brand refresh—and you’re struggling to articulate what makes you different, let’s talk. I help nonprofits, health and wellness organizations, and mission-driven entrepreneurs clarify their message and communicate their impact. Learn more at eringregorycreative.com.
