Friday Fieldwork: The Preseason Intention Reset
Because “winging it” stopped working around kid #2.
This Fieldwork was inspired by an article about trying like crazy to remind myself that what I eat today will allow me to fit into my fat pants come Thanksgiving. Read more about it here.
There was a time when “winging it” worked.
Like back when mornings meant coffee, keys, and a quick goodbye…
not four lunchboxes,
missing shoes,
and someone crying because their oatmeal “looked weird.”
These days? Winging it doesn’t cut it.
At least not after kid #2.
Now, if I don’t start my day with some level of intention, I’m one spilled cereal bowl away from losing my composure before 8:00 a.m.
Intention is what keeps the rhythm from turning into noise.
This Week’s Fieldwork: The Intention Reset
Here’s your reset for this week…
no gym,
no planner app,
no miracle-morning routine required:
Check your calendar.
Before your feet hit full stride, glance at what’s coming. What’s on your plate, and what’s on your family’s?
Knowing what’s ahead keeps you from getting blindsided by the day.Align the team.
Send one text to your spouse or teammate: “Anything we need to sync on today?”
It takes ten seconds but prevents ten misunderstandings. A quick check-in beats a full-blown miscommunication every time.Name your top three.
Write down the three things that matter most today: in order. Work, family, faith. Whatever they are, naming them gives your brain permission to focus.
Why It Works
Psychologists call this intentional activation…
the brain’s way of saying, “I’m leading today.”
This short rhythm builds a feedback loop between clarity and calm.
The more clarity you create, the calmer you feel.
The calmer you feel, the better you lead.
And here’s the thing: “winging it” might’ve worked when life was simpler.
But the more complex your world becomes…
kids,
teams,
calendars,
emotions,
the more intention becomes your competitive edge.
Preseason is about training your patience, your priorities, and your peace before the chaos of Holiday season starts calling the plays.
Closing Reminder
Winging it really did expire right around kid number two. Somewhere between the missing shoes and the bowl of cereal that “looked weird,” I realized I was operating in full IMC with no flight plan. Love this reset. Simple, steady, and exactly the kind of pre-holiday tune-up I need.