A couple of years before I decided to pursue entrepreneurship, I began reading The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll. At the time, I was a teacher, a mom, and a wife, and I found myself stuck in a cycle of busyness, overwhelmed by responsibilities and feeling disconnected from what truly mattered to me. I thought I was doing all the “right” things—working hard, taking care of my family, and showing up for my students. But deep down, I felt burnt out, unfulfilled, and constantly questioning if this was all there was.

That’s when I turned to the The Bullet Journal Method—not just as a way to organize my to-do lists, but as a tool for reflection. As I started using it, I realized that my life, though busy and filled with duties, was also lacking in purpose and alignment with my deeper desires. Journaling helped me gain the clarity I needed to recognize that something had to change. I wasn’t just tired—I was dissatisfied, and I needed to make a shift.

Through the practice of mindful planning and reflection, I began to map out a vision for a different life—one where I could make a meaningful impact, serve others, and do work that lit me up. That process of reflection, as outlined in Ryder Carroll’s book, was a key turning point that eventually led me to the path of entrepreneurship.

In this post, I want to share how this journey unfolded and how intentional decision-making—from using the Bullet Journal to making the leap into business—has shaped my life and career. Along the way, I’ll also highlight some of my favorite quotes from The Bullet Journal Method that continue to inspire me.

Intentional Decision #1 – Practicing Reflection and Gaining Clarity through Bullet Journaling

“Leading an intentional life is about keeping your actions aligned with your beliefs. It’s about penning a story that you believe in and that you can be proud of.” -Ryder Carroll, The Bullet Journal Method

Before I ever made the leap into entrepreneurship, my Bullet Journal practice had already begun to change my life. I used it not just for task management, but for deep, honest reflection. The more I journaled, the more I realized that my life as a teacher, mom, and wife wasn’t aligned with the vision I had for myself.

The act of regularly reviewing my life and goals helped me see how dissatisfied I was with my current circumstances. I was burnt out, running on autopilot, and giving so much of myself to others without ever really checking in with myself. I needed to make a change, but I didn’t know exactly what that change should look like.

Through the practice of reflection in my Bullet Journal, I slowly started to uncover a new direction for my life. I began to ask myself hard questions like, “What do I want my life to look like?” and “What kind of impact do I want to have?” The answers didn’t come overnight, but over time, they became clearer. This process of journaling and reflecting helped me realize that pursuing entrepreneurship was the right path—one that would allow me to work on my own terms, serve others, and create something meaningful.

Intentional Decision #2 – Shifting My Focus from Copywriting to Web Design

“When we believe in what we’re doing, we stop mindlessly clocking in. We become more innovative, creative, and present. We’re not only working harder, but smarter because both our hearts and minds are genuinely engaged by the endeavor.” – Ryder Carroll, The Bullet Journal Method

When I first started my business, I thought my path was clear: I was going to be a copywriter. Writing came naturally to me, and I enjoyed the creative process of telling stories that helped businesses connect with their audiences. But as I gained experience, I realized that while I was good at it, something was missing.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that my work wasn’t having the broader impact I wanted. My true passion was helping aspiring entrepreneurs realize their full potential—building brands that would make a difference. I began to see how web design, with its blend of creativity, functionality, and user experience, was the perfect way to bring these visions to life.

Shifting my focus to web design was a conscious, intentional decision. I was no longer just looking at the immediate task at hand; I was considering how this shift would align with my long-term vision of making a larger impact. This change has not only been more fulfilling for me but also more impactful for my clients, who now get websites that are thoughtfully designed to grow their businesses and serve their audiences in meaningful ways.

Intentional Decision #3 – Pursuing My Business Full-Time, Not as a Side Hustle

“Every decision requires you to focus, and focus is an investment of your time and energy. Both are limited–and therefore exceptionally valuable–resources.” – Ryder Carroll, The Bullet Journal Method

For a year and a half, I tried to juggle my teaching career and building my business. As a teacher, I was fully committed to my students, but it left me feeling burnt out—especially after becoming a mother. The constant pressure of lesson planning, grading, managing a classroom, and caring for my daughter was overwhelming, and there never seemed to be enough hours in the day. I found myself at a breaking point, exhausted and unfulfilled.

During this time, I knew I couldn’t keep up the pace forever. The idea of continuing to balance the demands of teaching with building my business felt unsustainable, and the toll it was taking on my well-being was becoming too much to ignore. I needed a change.

After much reflection, I made the intentional decision to leave my teaching career behind and go all-in on my business. The transition wasn’t easy—leaving behind the security of a stable paycheck and stepping into the unknown was nerve-wracking, especially with a young child at home. But I knew that for my health, my happiness, and my family, this was the right choice.

By choosing to pursue my business full-time, I created the space I needed to dedicate myself to my clients, my craft, and my vision. This shift allowed me to let go of the burnout and focus on building a business that aligned with my values. In the end, it was the best decision I could have made. As my business begins to flourish, I’m finding greater fulfillment, and I’m able to be more present both for my family and for my work.

Intentional Decision #4 – Choosing Instagram as My Primary Marketing Platform

“Intentionality is the power of the mind to direct itself toward that which it finds meaningful and take action toward that end.” – Ryder Carroll, The Bullet Journal Method

In the digital age, it’s tempting to try and conquer every social platform out there, but being intentional about where you show up online can make a huge difference. I had to ask myself, “Where can I best serve my audience? Which platform aligns with my brand, and where can I build an authentic community?”

After much thought, I decided to start with Instagram. Its visual nature allows me to showcase my work in a way that feels aligned with my creative process, while its community-oriented features help me build meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs and potential clients. By focusing on Instagram as my first platform, I’ve been able to hone my skills, engage more deeply with my audience, and create content that truly resonates.

This approach has allowed me to streamline my marketing efforts, gain clarity, and grow my brand with purpose. While Instagram is my primary focus for now, I look forward to expanding to other platforms in the future, building on the solid foundation I’ve created here.

Why Intentionality Matters in Business

Intentionality isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a mindset that turns ordinary business practices into purposeful actions. In business, intentionality means making decisions that align with your core values, your long-term goals, and your vision for the impact you want to have on the world. It’s about being deliberate with your choices—whether it’s the direction of your brand, the clients you serve, or how you spend your time.

When you operate intentionally, you don’t just react to opportunities; you proactively create them. Rather than rushing from one task to the next, you engage with a sense of purpose, knowing exactly why you’re doing what you’re doing. This clarity helps you cut through distractions, focus on what truly matters, and build momentum toward real growth.

Living intentionally also leads to authenticity. When your business reflects your values, it’s easier to attract the right clients and partners—those who resonate with your mission and are willing to invest in what you offer. Intentionality fosters trust and credibility, which are the bedrock of sustainable success.

Practical Tips for Building a Purpose-Driven Business

The journey to building a purpose-driven business doesn’t happen overnight. It requires conscious effort, reflection, and a commitment to aligning your work with your values. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

1. Define Your Core Values
   Your core values are the foundation of your business. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you and your clients. These values should guide every decision, from how you design your website to how you interact with clients.
2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
   It’s easy to get caught up in doing more, but focusing on fewer, more impactful tasks can create more meaningful results. Whether it’s designing a website or creating content, aim for quality, not quantity.
3. Set Boundaries
   Establishing boundaries protects your time and energy, ensuring that your work aligns with your goals. This means learning to say no to opportunities that don’t serve your purpose and protecting your personal time.
4. Reflect Regularly
   Carve out time each week or month to reflect on your progress. Are your actions aligned with your goals? If not, adjust your approach. Regular reflection helps you stay focused and ensures you’re moving in the right direction.

Living and working with intention has been the key to creating a life and business I’m proud of. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters, and doing it with purpose. If you’re feeling stuck or scattered in your own journey, I encourage you to take a step back and ask yourself: “What’s my true intention here?”

Think about one area of your life or business where you can make a more intentional decision today. It could be as simple as setting clearer boundaries, rethinking your marketing strategy, or pursuing a shift that aligns more with your long-term goals. Whatever it is, take action with purpose, and you’ll start to see the impact it has on your growth. For more information, I encourage you to grab a copy of the book or visit the Bullet Journal website to explore the resources and tools that can help you get started.