What is the Quality of Your Sustainability Intent?

"Certain people have a way of saying things that shake us at the core. Even when the words do not seem harsh or offensive, the impact is shattering. What we could be experiencing is the intent behind the words. When we intend to do good, we do. When we intend to do harm, it happens. What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through. We cannot sugarcoat the feelings in our heart of hearts. The emotion is the energy that motivates. We cannot ignore what we really want to create. We should be honest and do it the way we feel it. What we owe to ourselves and everyone around is to examine the reasons of our true intent." ~ Thurgood Marshall

As a sustainability consultant, I ask, what is your sustainability intent? Sustainability begins with each of us as individuals - in our thoughts, choices, and eco actions. The journey of a sustainable lifestyle goes beyond just ‘greening’ your life. Personal sustainability is a mindset change that shifts the personal value drivers in daily activities- it shifts your intent.

What is it that you want to create for yourself and this world?
What contribution do you want to make?
How can your words, your actions play a role in the bigger picture of sustainability?

Examining your personal sustainability drivers compared to your results will give you the best clue as to how you are measuring up to your own personal sustainability potential.

It's easy to fall prey to convenience, or "this is how we've always done it", but sustainability is about innovation. It calls for fresh views of traditional practices that reap rewards of respecting our natural resources while simultaneously advancing society.

Is your intent to live a sustainable lifestyle when it's convenient? Perhaps it's to take on a bit more daily and stretch your goals. Inspire others? You'll know you're succeeding when you see it in your results. Results are intentions manifested.