Lunch 'n Learn overview

Most people want their lives and work to matter. 

They want to make a positive difference, contribute meaningfully and be remembered for more than simply completing tasks or meeting obligations.

Yet significance rarely happens by accident.

Intentional Living is an engaging Lunch ’n Learn inspired by John C. Maxwell’s principles for choosing a life that matters.

The session encourages participants to reflect on the story their daily choices are creating and consider how personal responsibility, courage, strengths and meaningful action can help them make a greater difference in the lives of others.

This is not about having perfect circumstances or making one dramatic change. It is about becoming more deliberate about the way we live, work, contribute and respond each day.

Session Objective

The objective of this Lunch ’n Learn is to help participants move beyond good intentions and become more deliberate about the contribution they want to make.

Participants will be encouraged to:

• recognise that a meaningful life is built intentionally;
• reflect on the story their current choices are creating;
• take greater responsibility for their thoughts, actions and responses;
• move beyond excuses, blame and passivity;
• clarify what significance means to them;
• recognise how their strengths can be used to benefit others;
• consider the people, opportunities and resources already available to them;
• move beyond fear and comfort-zone thinking; and
• identify one meaningful action they can begin taking.

Session Outline

A Life That Matters Does Not Happen Accidentally

Participants explore the difference between allowing life to unfold entirely by default and making deliberate choices about how they want to live and contribute.

What Story Are You Writing?

The session uses the idea of life as a story.

Participants reflect on:

• what their current story communicates;
• what they want their life and work to stand for;
• what they would like to change;
• and how daily decisions shape the story over time.

Taking Your Place in the Story

Participants consider the importance of personal responsibility.

This includes moving away from:

• blaming circumstances;
• waiting for others to change;
• making excuses;
• seeing oneself only as a victim; or
• believing that meaningful impact belongs to someone else.

The focus is on identifying what is within one’s influence and choosing a constructive response.

From Success to Significance

The session explores the difference between personal achievement and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Participants consider how significance may be expressed through:

• service;
• leadership;
• encouragement;
• problem-solving;
• developing others;
• contribution to a team; or
• responding to a need that matters.

Moving beyond the Comfort Zone

Intentional living may require participants to try something unfamiliar, risk imperfection or approach a situation from another person’s perspective.

The session encourages action even when confidence is not yet complete.

Bringing Your Strengths into the Story

Participants reflect on the distinctive qualities, abilities and experiences they can use to contribute.

Attention is given to questions such as:

• What do I do particularly well?
• What am I passionate about?
• Where do I naturally add value?
• What experiences have prepared me to help others?
• Which strengths am I currently underusing?

Connecting Strengths, Passion and Resources

The session helps participants recognise that meaningful contribution often grows where three things meet:

• personal strengths;
• genuine passion; and
• available resources or relationships.

Resources may include knowledge, time, experience, colleagues, networks and opportunities already within reach.

Good Intentions versus Intentional Action

Participants explore the difference between:

• wishing and deciding;
• hoping and acting;
• “someday” and today;
• trying and committing;
• occasional effort and consistent practice.

Good intentions may express desire, but intentional action creates movement.

Stop Trying and Start Doing

The session examines the resistance that often appears when people move towards meaningful action.

Participants are invited to replace vague intentions with one clear commitment.

Begin Where You Are

Intentional living does not require a public platform or a dramatic life change.

Participants consider how they can begin with:

• the people closest to them;
• their current workplace;
• one neglected responsibility;
• one person who needs encouragement;
• one problem they can help address; or
• one opportunity to contribute.

Choosing the Next Meaningful Action

The session concludes by helping participants identify:

• the difference they would like to make;
• the strength they can use;
• the person or context they can serve;
• and one action they will take.

The Lunch ’n Learn Experience

This concise and reflective session may include:

• facilitated leadership and personal-growth insights;
• relatable stories and workplace examples;
• guided reflection;
• audience participation;
• strengths and purpose questions;
• discussion of intention versus action; and
• a focused personal commitment.

Who Should Attend?

This session is suitable for:

• employees at all organisational levels;
• emerging and experienced leaders;
• professionals seeking greater meaning in their work;
• people navigating change or transition;
• individuals who feel stuck in passive or habitual patterns;
• teams seeking to strengthen purpose and contribution;
• professionals wanting to use their strengths more intentionally; and
• anyone ready to move from good intentions towards meaningful action.

What Participants Will Take Away

Participants will leave with:

• greater awareness of the story their choices are creating;
• a stronger sense of personal responsibility;
• renewed clarity about what meaningful contribution could look like;
• greater appreciation for their strengths and experiences;
• insight into the difference between intention and action;
• encouragement to begin before everything feels perfect;
• a practical way to start making a difference where they are; and
• one meaningful commitment to apply after the session.

Significance Begins with Intention

A life that matters is not reserved for famous, powerful or unusually gifted people.

It is built through ordinary people making deliberate choices to use what they have, where they are, for the benefit of others.

Choose the story. Use your strengths. Take the action. Make the difference.

Got any questions? You are welcome to contact Lynette Berger at [email protected]