How To Be Intentional and Finish What You Start with Chris Bailey

In this episode, Chris Bailey discusses how to be intentional and finish what you start. He explores how intentionality, values, and motivation shape our ability to set and achieve meaningful goals. Chris also introduces concepts like the “intention stack” and “sepia-toned goals,” emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with core values. The conversation offers practical tools for editing goals, balancing planning with action, and cultivating both deliberate and default intentions to create a more purposeful, fulfilling life.

Take our quick 2-minute survey and help us improve your listening experience: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠oneyoufeed.net/survey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of intentionality in achieving goals
• Challenges of goal-setting and the concept of "sepia toned goals"
• The "intention stack" framework connecting daily actions to broader values
• Understanding and identifying personal values and their polarities
• The role of desire and aversion in goal pursuit
• The concept of "goal editing" to align goals with personal values
• Distinction between outcome goals and process goals
• The significance of the learning phase in goal attainment
• Balancing planning and action to avoid productivity traps
• Cultivating a positive relationship with goals to enhance motivation and fulfillment

For full show notes: click here!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Chris Bailey, check out these other episodes:

How to Break Free from the ‘More’ Trap and Find Balance in a Busy Life with Chris Bailey

Chris Bailey on Focus, Productivity, and Meditation (2018)

Getting Things Done with Charlie Gilkey

David Kadavy on Getting Started

By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

This episode is sponsored by:

Shopify – The commerce platform that helps you build, grow, and manage your business all in one place. Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/feed.

Pebl – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at hipebl.ai

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices