Intentive Living for Growth & Success
Hello! I’m Ryan Zofay, and I’m excited to take you behind the scenes to learn what “intentive” means in my coaching practice. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, success coach, business leader, or on your self-improvement journey, being intentional is the golden thread running through every area of growth and transformation.
Intentive isn’t just a buzzword. It’s about being fully present, attentive, and heedful in our actions and thoughts. It’s the art of honing focus on what fuels our best lives, becoming the best version of ourselves for personal and business success. As a business and online life coach, I’ve discovered that intentional strategies are often the difference between feeling stuck and achieving meaningful growth.
I’ll walk you through five core themes I use with my clients to drive intentive personal and professional success. I’ll share insights, practical advice, and real-life examples to help you master living and leading with good intentions.
My Intentive Blueprint for Radical Transformation From Rock Bottom to 7 Figures
My Wake-Up Call
My intentive Action Plan for personal development, life, & business coaching
At 17, I was pronounced dead at a crime scene. When I miraculously survived, the judge gave me a choice, go to prison or change my life. That moment forced me to become intentive—entirely focused on rewriting my story.
Today, as founder of a $120M company and mentor to thousands, I’ll share the exact framework that transformed my life. These aren’t theories—they’re battle-tested strategies that work when you’re all in.
Section 1: The 3 Intentive Mindset Shifts That Saved Me
1. From “Why Me?” to “Try Me”
Insight: My drug addiction-fueled felonies as an addicted teen could have defined me—until I saw them as fuel.
Tip: When hit with adversity, ask:
- “How can this strengthen me?”
- “What opportunity is hidden here?” (Like how my recovery journey birthed We Level Up Treatment Centers)
Client Example: Sarah (name changed for privacy), a bankrupt single mom, used this shift to build her coaching business in 18 months.
2. The 24-Hour Rule
Strategy: I give myself one day to process pain, then take action.
My Routine:
| Emotion | Intentive Response |
|---|---|
| Anger | Channel into a workout |
| Fear | List 3 worst-case solutions |
| Doubt | Review past wins |
Pro Tip: This prevents “analysis paralysis”—the #1 dream-killer I see in my business coaching clients.
3. Reverse Engineering from the Grave
Morbid but Powerful: I ask, “What will my eulogy say if I don’t change today?”
Your Turn: Write:
- 1 legacy you don’t want
- 1 legacy you do want
(My version’s in The Unlikely Businessman)
Section 2: My Intentive Daily Practice
The 5AM “Warrior Hour”
My non-negotiables, intentional morning routine checklist:
- Cold plunge or cold shower (trains discomfort tolerance)
- Positive short daily affirmations for positive mindset shift
- 5-minute morning meditation and practicing mindfulness regularly
- Gratitude journal (3 things I’d miss if gone tomorrow)
- Visualization (10 mins seeing my personal development goals as done)
Why It Works:
Clients who adopt this report imprved productivity within 30 days.
The Focus Funnel
For overwhelmed entrepreneurs:
- List all tasks.
- Highlight 3 that scares you most.
- Do #1 first.
Real Results:
- One client finished his PhD dissertation after 7 years of avoidance
- Lisa 2x’d her revenue by focusing on her weaknesses and working on them first
Section 3: Your Turn—The Intentional Challenge
30-Day Transformation Starter Kit
- Week 1: Identify one limiting belief to obliterate
- Week 2: Add one high-impact habit (like my 5AM routine)
- Week 3: Have one uncomfortable conversation you’ve avoided
- Week 4: Invest in one growth resource (book, course, or my coaching)
Pro Insight: The clients who see overnight results aren’t luckier—they’re all in for 30 straight days.
Your Intentive Call To Action: Your Life’s Waiting
I went from dead to thriving by being ruthlessly intentive. Now, I challenge you:
Pick ONE strategy above and commit for 30 days. Document your journey—I journaled each intensive step I took daily.
Need a roadmap?
- Join my next event for live breakthroughs.
- Get my personal development life story and book how I became a millionaire.
- Apply for coaching for intentive growth.
Write a letter to your future self. When you begin to achieve your goals, you will surely thank yourself.
Jump To
Table of Contents
The Power of Being Intentive
Want real change? Learn how intentional self-awareness helps uncover self-limiting beliefs and drives personal development and coaching transformation. Master focused transformative leadership through intentional business coaching strategies. See how clarity and emotional intelligence drive real-world business success. Learn how intentional listening elevates leadership, builds emotional rapport, and creates powerful client breakthroughs in life and business coaching.
Discover my daily blueprint for living an intentional, purpose-driven life. Create rituals, routines, and reflections that align your heart and goals.
What Does it Mean to Be Intentive? My Expert Perspective
When I think about what has helped me overcome some of my biggest obstacles and achieve meaningful breakthroughs, the word “intentive” comes to mind. It’s a word that doesn’t just describe a fleeting moment of focus—it represents a whole mindset that has transformed my life for the better.
What is “Intentive”?
Intentive means being deeply attentive, completely present, and purposefully focused. Unlike awareness, being intentive is about directing all mental, emotional, and spiritual energy toward something that matters.
Before we jump in, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Term | Meaning | How It Shows Up in Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Attentive | Paying close attention, being actively engaged | Noticing patterns, spotting opportunities |
| Heedful | Being careful and thoughtful, considering details | Ensuring quality in decisions and actions |
| Focused | Concentrating energy on what matters most | Prioritizing goals, blocking out distractions |
| Preoccupied | Mind is deeply involved in a goal or idea | Total immersion in solving challenges |
The 5 W’s of “Intentive”
Who benefits from being intensive?
Anyone. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a business leader, or someone on a personal growth path, this quality elevates your life and work.
What does it look like in action?
For me, it’s those moments when I’m so absorbed in listening to someone share their story that everything else fades away. It’s the kind of presence that says, “You matter. This matters.”
When is it most powerful?
Creativity can be life-changing during difficult conversations or deep work, especially when faced with a challenge or pursuing a goal requiring your full attention.
Where can you practice it?
Anywhere! On a stage presenting, sitting quietly with a loved one, or even alone, reflecting on your personal goals.
Why is intentiveness important?
Because it’s the key to proper understanding, connection, and achievement, when we’re inventive, we unlock insights, build authentic relationships, and move forward in authentic and fulfilling ways.
Benefits of Being Intentional
Intentional living isn’t just about attention. It’s about intention. It’s about pouring yourself into what matters most daily to produce advantages like:
| Deeper Connections: People feel seen, heard, and valued. Greater Clarity: You cut through the noise and see what truly matters. Enhanced Productivity: Your energy isn’t scattered; it’s harnessed. Stronger Resilience: When focused on your “why,” obstacles become stepping stones. Lasting Fulfillment: Intentiveness leads to lives and work filled with purpose |
If you’re seeking transformation, try being intentional today. Focus with your whole heart, listen fully, and watch as new possibilities open up before you.
Top 5 Intentive Growth Strategies You Can Practice Today
Here are my top five intentional growth themes and how to use them.
1. Intentive Self-Reflection: Building Awareness
One of the first steps in meaningful change is honest self-reflection. Being intentive here means tuning in—not running on autopilot, but pausing regularly to ask:
- What am I feeling right now?
- Why am I doing what I’m doing?
- What should I do with my life?
- Is this habit or belief serving my growth?
Actionable Tips:
- Try daily journaling. Spend five minutes at night reflecting on what went well, what felt off, and what you want to shift tomorrow.
- Schedule “micromoments” daily to breathe and check in with yourself.
Client Example: One of my clients, an entrepreneur, struggled with burnout. By building an intentional self-reflection habit, she began recognizing early stress signals and made healthier choices before reaching exhaustion.
If you’re curious how guided self-discovery can spark change, check out my Personal Development Events & Workshops.
2. Intentional Goal Setting: Less Noise, More Progress
We all too easily fall into the trap of scattered goals. I teach my clients to set goals intentionally, that are laser-focused, values-driven, and aligned with their bigger vision.
Here’s what works for me and my clients:
- Write down your top three priorities for the week (not thirty).
- Use the S.M.A.R.T. goals framework, but add an “I” for Intentive. Ask, “What is my real reason for wanting this?”
| Original Goal | Intentive Upgrade |
|---|---|
| “Make more sales.” | “Connect deeply with five potential clients this week and truly listen to their needs.” |
| “Be a transformational leader.” | “Offer each team member one piece of honest, encouraging feedback by Friday.” |
Intentional goals keep you accountable and connected to what matters.
Explore more about my goal-setting strategies here.
3. Intentive Communication: The Foundation of Influence
Whether you’re leading a team or growing a business, intentive communication is key. It’s listening actively, responding thoughtfully, and showing real presence in every conversation.
How I help clients level up communication:
- Practice “listen first” meetings. Pause judgment, ask clarifying questions, and reflect on what you heard. Remember, seek first to understand to be understood.
- Use the “Three C’s”: Clear, Concise, Compassionate.
Real Success Story: A business coaching client transformed team morale by becoming more attentive and proactive while practicing continuous improvement techniques in meetings, trainings, and company events. Productivity soared after shifting from “fixing” to truly listening.
Dive deeper with my Communication Coach Success Guide and Building Rapport Tips.
4. Intentive Action-Taking: Moving from Stuck to Momentum
Intentional living isn’t just reflection; it’s also about moving forward with clarity and purpose. I encourage clients to use micro-actions and batching as paths to progress.
My go-to practices:
- “Timeboxing” tasks (working in focused, intentive blocks)
- Breaking projects into the smallest next steps instead of vague, overwhelming goals
| Overwhelmed Plan | Intentive Micro-Action |
|---|---|
| “Launch a business” | “Draft one-sentence vision today.” |
| “Write my book” | “Write for 15 minutes after breakfast.” |
Testimonial: “Ryan’s concept of timeboxing and batching changed how I get things done. I’m more productive, less anxious, and enjoy working!” (Coaching Client – Lee S.)
Read my Productivity Hacks for more actionable tactics.
5. Intentive Growth Mindset: Turning Setbacks into Setups
Every growth story I’ve been honored to witness (including my own) is filled with setbacks. The intentive difference? Treating failure as data for the next step, not a definition of your worth.
How to practice this daily:
- Reframe setbacks by asking, “What’s the lesson here?”
- Celebrate effort, not just outcomes.
Personal Reflection: I wouldn’t be a nine-figure entrepreneur or coach today had I not faced and learned from countless failures. Being intentional helped me stay focused on the right action and not get stuck in regret. Instead of asking what I should be doing with my life, I am living my greatest life while dreaming the American dream into reality.
If you want weekly fuel for your growth mindset, check out my Resilience Quotes Collection.
Intentive Living in Action
Here’s a quick recap you can use as a daily check-in:
| Intentive Habit | Daily Question | Action Step Example |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Reflection | “What am I feeling and why?” | Journal before bed |
| Goal Setting | “Are my goals aligned with what matters most?” | Refocus weekly priorities |
| Communication | “Am I listening and being present in this moment?” | Paraphrase before responding |
| Action-Taking | “What’s the smallest step I can take right now?” | Set a timer for 15-minute sprints |
| Growth Mindset | “What can I learn from this challenge?” | Capture lessons after setbacks |
How My Clients Use Intentive Coaching
My clients have used intentive techniques to:
- Launch and scale purposeful businesses
- Reignite passion and clarity as coaches and leaders
- Recover work-life balance and mental wellness
- Transform setbacks into strong comeback stories.
Example from My Journey
I remember a time I was preparing for a life-changing talk. My nerves were high, but I chose to be intentive—to listen to my heart, block out distractions, and focus on the message I wanted to share. That intentive state allowed me to connect deeply with the audience, and the response was overwhelming. That’s the power of inventiveness.
Quick Success Story:
One client attended my Exclusive Seminar and reported, “Being intentive with even just one conversation a day changed how I show up in my relationships. I’m finally present—instead of permanently preoccupied.”
Start Living and Leading with Intention
Intentional living is my secret to personal transformation and business growth. If you’re ready to move beyond autopilot, grow with more purpose, and truly thrive, join me. We’ll create an intensive, focused, unique personal development plan to fit your lifestyle and needs while setting SMART goals.
Stay inventive, stay growing.
Ryan Zofay
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If you feel stuck or want to learn more, please share your thoughts in the comments—I’m here for you.
@ryanzofay Thank you for having me Aspire Tour! And thank you to everyone who showed up today. #fyp ♬ Good With Me – Jaylon Ashaun
