The First Act of Becoming: Why Intention Changes Everything

By Natalia Jansen, MFA

Have you ever looked around at your life and wondered, “How did I end up here?” Not in the middle of a dramatic life crisis, but in the quiet, subtle moments. A sigh at the end of the day. A twinge of discontent while doing the dishes. A sense that, while things seem fine, they’re not quite yours or satisfying anymore. If so, let me assure you: that feeling isn’t a failure. It’s your first cue. You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re just ready to begin again—this time, intentionally.

Recognition: The True Beginning of Transformation

Before you can rewrite your script, you must first recognize the one you’re currently living. That recognition doesn’t begin with action. It starts with awareness.

The gentle restlessness or growing dissatisfaction you are noticing isn’t random. It’s your inner knowing, your soul, whispering to you: This isn’t it anymore.
Not because something’s wrong—but because you’re ready for more truth, more alignment, more joy.

In the world of theatre, every powerful performance begins with a spotlight. You must see where you are before you can move into who you’re becoming.

This is the first act in becoming the star of your life. Not in a performative way, but in a deeply rooted, authentic way—where you stop hiding in the wings and begin taking center stage as your truest self.

From Default to Design

Most people are living on autopilot.
Wake up. Get through the day. Check items off the to-do list. Repeat.

We follow learned routines, live by inherited beliefs, and often chase someone else’s definition of success.
We react instead of create. We manage instead of lead. We survive instead of thrive.

But here’s the truth: your life is not meant to be a series of roles handed to you.
You are not just the actor. You are the writer, the director, and the star.

That’s what intention really is. It’s the quiet, conscious decision to stop creating by default and start creating by design.

You can’t control every scene that unfolds. But you can absolutely control how you show up in each one—your energy, your presence, your voice.

This is your Star Power in action. A moment-to-moment invitation to create a life that lights you up from the inside out.

Star Power Strategy: Mirror Work to Meet Your Future Self

Want to ignite real, lasting change? Don’t start with a to-do list.
Start with your inner identity. Start with presence.

Stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and say out loud:

“I am no longer waiting in the wings. I am the star of my life.
I no longer audition. I don’t accept roles that don’t feel aligned.
I choose who I am, and I choose to live from joy, truth, and intention.”

Repeat this or create your own affirmation, and do it three times a day—morning, midday, and night.

Why? Because transformation doesn’t happen when you arrive somewhere out there.
It happens the moment you decide to show up—fully and unapologetically—here and now.

At first, it may feel silly. Uncomfortable. Even fake.
But that’s okay. This is how you rehearse your truth… until it no longer feels like acting. It feels like home.

Your Weekly Star Task

Take 15 minutes this week to write your six-month dream life as if it’s already happening. Describe it in vivid detail:
your home, your morning routine, your work, your relationships, your energy, your confidence, your joy.

Don’t write what feels reasonable or realistic.
Write what makes your soul light up.

Then read it aloud each morning and evening.
Let it root you. Let it remind you. Let it call you forward, word by word, day by day.

Reflect

• What areas of your life feel out of alignment or scripted by someone else’s expectations?
• Where are you still waiting for permission to take the lead?
• What role is your soul asking you to embody now?

Takeaway

This is not a dress rehearsal.
You are not an understudy in your own life.
You are the writer, the director, and the lead.

The spotlight is yours.
And intention is the first line in your new script.