How to be More Intentional with Others | Bob Goff

Update: 2025-06-17

Digest

This podcast features an interview with Bob Goff, exploring his unique approach to time management and relationships. Goff emphasizes the importance of prioritizing availability, not just in terms of being physically present, but also emotionally and mentally engaged. He advocates for intentional living, focusing on actions that align with one's values and contribute to making a difference. The interview includes anecdotes from his work at San Quentin, highlighting the power of genuine connection and the impact of presence over mere availability. The podcast concludes with a reflection on the importance of acknowledging limitations without guilt and a call to action to give what you have, trusting that it will be enough. Goff's approach emphasizes influence over control, empowering others rather than dictating their actions. He attributes his positive attitude to clarity of purpose and focusing on his strengths. Practical advice includes identifying individual needs, delegating tasks, and prioritizing what truly matters.

Outlines

00:00:40

Intentional Living: Finding Time for What Matters

This episode introduces the concept of feeling overwhelmed and sets the stage for an interview with Bob Goff, who shares his unique approach to time management and relationships, emphasizing intentional living and prioritizing availability.

00:01:54

Bob Goff on Availability, Presence, and Impact

Bob Goff discusses his philosophy of prioritizing availability and presence in relationships, sharing anecdotes from his work at San Quentin and emphasizing the importance of focusing on actions that make a difference. He contrasts presence with mere availability, highlighting the significance of genuine connection.

00:21:34

Giving What You Have: Lessons in Intentional Living and Letting Go

The episode concludes with reflections on Goff's approach, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging limitations without guilt and a call to action to give what you have, trusting that it will be enough. The discussion touches upon the concepts of influence versus control and finding fulfillment in service to others.

Keywords

Intentional Living

A mindful approach to life, prioritizing values and goals, actively shaping experiences rather than passively reacting.

Availability (in relationships)

Being present and accessible to others, emotionally and mentally engaged.

Presence (vs. Availability)

Being fully engaged and attentive in the moment, offering undivided attention and genuine connection.

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center

A men's prison where Bob Goff teaches, forming meaningful relationships with inmates.

Influence (vs. Control)

Guiding and inspiring others through example and support, emphasizing empowerment and respect.

Time Management

Strategies for prioritizing tasks and activities to maximize effectiveness and minimize stress.

Relationships

The connections between people, emphasizing genuine presence and connection.

Positive Attitude

Maintaining a positive outlook despite challenges and setbacks.

Service

Actively engaging in helping others and making a difference.

Spiritual Life

The integration of faith and values into daily life.

Q&A

How does Bob Goff maintain such a positive and motivated attitude despite his busy schedule?
Goff attributes his positivity to clarity of purpose and operating within his strengths, focusing on activities aligned with his values.
What practical advice does Bob Goff offer for managing the constant demands on one's time?
He suggests identifying individual needs, letting go of tasks that can be handled otherwise, and focusing on what truly matters; emphasizing presence over availability.
What has Bob Goff learned from his work at San Quentin?
He's developed deep friendships with inmates, learning about their resilience and potential, deepening his understanding of human connection.
How does Bob Goff apply his philosophy of intentional living to his spiritual life?
He emphasizes action over contemplation, actively engaging in service and connection with others.

Show Notes

When life feels like too much and everyone seems to need something from you, how do you stay joyful and present? This week on The Lisa Show, Bob Goff joins Lisa to talk about how to keep your heart open when your schedule feels closed. He shares how to set priorities and actually stick to them, how to acknowledge your limits without feeling guilty, and how simple reminders can keep you grounded in what really matters. Bob also opens up about the space between what we want to do and what we think we can do, and how to live with purpose right there in the middle.

Bob Goff is the author of the New York Times bestselling books Love Does, Everybody Always, Dream Big, and Undistracted. He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, an attorney, and the founder of Love Does—a nonprofit human rights organization operating in 14 countries. Bob continues to be inspired by friendships he’s developed with others around the world who live their lives pursuing strategic ways to help others. Bob's greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and, most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria Goff, and spend time with their amazing kids and grandkids. For more, check out BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org.

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