Hi, my name is Andrew and I’m a classic over-thinker. This over-thinking leads to indecision. Paralyzing indecision, the kind that says “Well you don’t know where this could go, what the outcomes are, so just don’t do anything.”

The other day I was reading this fantastic collection of advice on tough things men ought to do and #14 jumped out at me, stunning me with its simple elegance:

There it is. Straightforward. It’s underlying message? Be intentional. Don’t hope you run into the girl on her way to the restroom. Don’t sit there hoping she’ll just randomly walk up to you, go talk to her. Intentionality, as it turns out, has notes of bravery and boldness mixed in with it. It’s scintillating too.

We ought to be bold for the very reason that it is better to be bold than to not. No one was ever lauded for their middle-of-the-roadness. History doesn’t tell stories about normal dudes who let life happen to them, it chronicles the lives of bold men and women, people who didn’t let fear hold them back.

Intentionality doesn’t just hold value in guy/girl interactions, it’s applicable all across the board.

→ Using intentional language: all too often we forget to be intentional with our words. Sure, your mom/dad/brother/girlfriend/best friend knows they matter to you, but have you said “Hey, you matter to me” lately?

→ Using intentional gestures: body language plays an important part of how we interact with those around us. If someone is telling you a story, be intentional with your movements, look them in the eye, listen to their converstaion, respond to what they’re saying, be intentional with how you interact with them. Trust me, it’ll be noticed.

In conclusion, be that guy. Be that kid from that Audi commercial. Be intentional and I promise, good things will happen.