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Living with Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace, and Joy
As a mom, wife, and social media entrepreneur, Mallika Chopra frequently wondered how she could possibly do one more thing. Like so many, she was taking lousy care of herself and having a difficult time finding richer meaning and purpose in each day, even though that was her business's mission. Living with Intent is a practical yet deeply personal look at her year-long journey to discover some workable answers. Along the way, she sat down with Andrew Weil, Eckhart Tolle, Gretchen Rubin, Marianne Williamson, Daniel Siegel, and others, who shared their valuable input and insight.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2015
176 people are currently reading
2152 people want to read
About the author
Mallika Chopra
12 books52 followersMALLIKA CHOPRA is the successful author of two previous gift books for parents, 100 Promises to My Baby and 100 Questions from My Child. She is a busy mom of two, a successful entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Intent.com and Intentblog, a successful social media site and its sister blog. Chopra grew up in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and graduated from Concord Academy, Brown University, and the Kellogg School of Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 29, 2015
I requested this book from netgalley to read on a whim, and I was glad I did! I don't normally read books like this or really, self help books at all, but I've been struggling lately with being more organized, better planning, where do I want to be in a year or ten years and how do I get there? This book is a roadmap, and is constantly asking you questions that make you think about those very same issues. I've written down many of the questions Chopra asks so I can think about them more in more detail.
I like the fact that Chopra repeatedly admits how her own life can be a mess, that she's not perfect, that she too is striving to make sense of her life, and gives you the sense that if she can create order from chaos, so can you.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. I was not paid for my review
I like the fact that Chopra repeatedly admits how her own life can be a mess, that she's not perfect, that she too is striving to make sense of her life, and gives you the sense that if she can create order from chaos, so can you.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. I was not paid for my review
April 22, 2015
Practical and accessible, Mallika Chopra offers readers a very "do-able" tool for centering and reclaiming the essence of life.
I started meditating a year ago and while I extol the many benefits this practice has afforded me, I am also familiar with Chopra's dilemma of the competing demands and expectations of modern life which threaten to overwhelm each of us and steer us away from those things which are most important to our core being. Chopra argues that the way to remain centered is through our intentions. Putting our essential needs and values out to the universe and believing that something greater than ourselves is working on our behalf (and that of all beings) is what this book helps readers to understand and practice.
She breaks the process into the acronym INTENT. A chapter is dedicated to each. I loved that each chapter ends with some ways to practice as well as a meditation practice!
After having incubated the idea of how to get more books into the hands of children and adults in my town for over a year, I finally put the idea out to some of the leaders in my community. Several embraced the idea and a year later, my small city of 25,000 has nine Little Free Library locations with more in the works as we speak! Chopra's belief that intent makes a difference is valid in my experience!
If you are looking for a way to feel less stressed and more confident that life is unfolding in a way that makes a difference for you and your world, you need to read Living With Intent. Chopra's gentle, honest, and down-to-earth guidance is invaluable!
I started meditating a year ago and while I extol the many benefits this practice has afforded me, I am also familiar with Chopra's dilemma of the competing demands and expectations of modern life which threaten to overwhelm each of us and steer us away from those things which are most important to our core being. Chopra argues that the way to remain centered is through our intentions. Putting our essential needs and values out to the universe and believing that something greater than ourselves is working on our behalf (and that of all beings) is what this book helps readers to understand and practice.
She breaks the process into the acronym INTENT. A chapter is dedicated to each. I loved that each chapter ends with some ways to practice as well as a meditation practice!
After having incubated the idea of how to get more books into the hands of children and adults in my town for over a year, I finally put the idea out to some of the leaders in my community. Several embraced the idea and a year later, my small city of 25,000 has nine Little Free Library locations with more in the works as we speak! Chopra's belief that intent makes a difference is valid in my experience!
If you are looking for a way to feel less stressed and more confident that life is unfolding in a way that makes a difference for you and your world, you need to read Living With Intent. Chopra's gentle, honest, and down-to-earth guidance is invaluable!
February 11, 2018
I presently work at Northwestern University, in the Career Management Center of Kellogg School of Management. As such, I have access to neat personal and professional development opportunities. Kellogg yearly holds a day-long conference called "Kellogg on Growth," and staff are able to attend this thoughtful and exciting day of learning, reflection, and intellectual discourse.
Mallika Chopra was the keynote speaker at Kellogg on Growth this year, so my interest was thus piqued in her book. I have obviously heard of her papa, Deepak, but haven't really read any of his work. I have been trying to find ways to introduce more meaningful and intentional practices into my life (vs mindless Facebook scrolling and drifting through existence) and this seemed like a good place to start. Plus, we were wanting to kick start a work book club, and because of the Kellogg connection this was an apt selection.
Though this book made for excellent book club conversation it isn't one I would recommend for a power read. (The irony is not lost on me that I was trying to skim read a book on living with intent). I originally checked this book out from the library, but realized that I wished I owned it. It's the sort of thing that I would like to mark up and refer back to. So, I snagged a copy from a used bookstore to add to my library, and keep track of some of the exercises and tips she provides.
Overall, I found this to be a good book. She does what she sets out to do which is share her "somewhat messy journey to purpose, peace, and joy" in a way that is vulnerable and mostly relatable. I say "mostly" because I feel like she could/should have done a much better job labeling and recognizing the extraordinary privilege present in her life. That's where she went a little "Goopy," aka, Gwyneth Paltrow, for my tastes. I am super pumped you were able to, on a whim, attend a week-long exercise retreat but she has financial and familial resources that most people can't even fathom, let along take advantage of. It would have been better for her to say clearly and emphatically, "And yes, I know there is literally no way you, a normal, could do this" rather than how she glossed over it.
Also, she has a weird fixation/dislike of the concept of Soccer Mom's, so much so, I think she veers into almost shaming territory. "I see more clearly why I've struggled to come to terms with my soccer mom status. It's partly cultural pressure to pull my own weight as a modern woman. It's partly intellectual need: I want to use my mind and make good on my education." I mean, okaaaay. But soccer mom's don't just go to soccer 24/7/365. Soccer mom is merely one label that women may place upon themselves. And I'm pretty sure that being one doesn't mutually exclude oneself from the "weight of a modern woman" or "using my mind." I just want her to calm down a little, but it's clear that she is trying to living up to something that she can't quite reach. In that, she is relatable, but also a little awkwardly not self aware.
All this criticism aside, I really did find great value in her message and her book and I know it is one I will go back to. Intent, as she defines defines it (Incubate, Notice, Trust, Express, Nurture, and Take Action) seems like a doable and measurable goal, and the exercises in the book have already given value to my life.
Mallika Chopra was the keynote speaker at Kellogg on Growth this year, so my interest was thus piqued in her book. I have obviously heard of her papa, Deepak, but haven't really read any of his work. I have been trying to find ways to introduce more meaningful and intentional practices into my life (vs mindless Facebook scrolling and drifting through existence) and this seemed like a good place to start. Plus, we were wanting to kick start a work book club, and because of the Kellogg connection this was an apt selection.
Though this book made for excellent book club conversation it isn't one I would recommend for a power read. (The irony is not lost on me that I was trying to skim read a book on living with intent). I originally checked this book out from the library, but realized that I wished I owned it. It's the sort of thing that I would like to mark up and refer back to. So, I snagged a copy from a used bookstore to add to my library, and keep track of some of the exercises and tips she provides.
Overall, I found this to be a good book. She does what she sets out to do which is share her "somewhat messy journey to purpose, peace, and joy" in a way that is vulnerable and mostly relatable. I say "mostly" because I feel like she could/should have done a much better job labeling and recognizing the extraordinary privilege present in her life. That's where she went a little "Goopy," aka, Gwyneth Paltrow, for my tastes. I am super pumped you were able to, on a whim, attend a week-long exercise retreat but she has financial and familial resources that most people can't even fathom, let along take advantage of. It would have been better for her to say clearly and emphatically, "And yes, I know there is literally no way you, a normal, could do this" rather than how she glossed over it.
Also, she has a weird fixation/dislike of the concept of Soccer Mom's, so much so, I think she veers into almost shaming territory. "I see more clearly why I've struggled to come to terms with my soccer mom status. It's partly cultural pressure to pull my own weight as a modern woman. It's partly intellectual need: I want to use my mind and make good on my education." I mean, okaaaay. But soccer mom's don't just go to soccer 24/7/365. Soccer mom is merely one label that women may place upon themselves. And I'm pretty sure that being one doesn't mutually exclude oneself from the "weight of a modern woman" or "using my mind." I just want her to calm down a little, but it's clear that she is trying to living up to something that she can't quite reach. In that, she is relatable, but also a little awkwardly not self aware.
All this criticism aside, I really did find great value in her message and her book and I know it is one I will go back to. Intent, as she defines defines it (Incubate, Notice, Trust, Express, Nurture, and Take Action) seems like a doable and measurable goal, and the exercises in the book have already given value to my life.
March 14, 2017
I need this book as reminder to myself to take time for myself, to quiet my mind and recharge my emotional and spiritual batteries. I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I started to read it but abandoned it because chaos and crisis consumed my life at the time. Thus I was not living with intent, I was in survival mode. Those are times we need a book like this the most and yet we least able to absorb it. This book is full of useful exercises and practices to help one find balance and learn to live life more mindfully. It is not that one reads and is done with. It is book to be kept near by as you will keep going back to it as needed. I recommend this book as a must read for those that have lost themselves in rush of day to day life, that need to find a way back to living mindfully. Your body, mind and spirit will benefit from this book.
July 9, 2015
This is one of those books full of common sense wisdom that we are all so good at forgetting. Advice about taking time for yourself, being mindful and grateful, telling people you love them....these are all things we know we should do but we get so wrapped up in stressing out about things that don't matter that we forget about the things that do. This book is a good reminder. It's the little things that matter so much and most of what we worry about not only does not matter but often does not even exist.
This honest review is in exchange for a free book from bloggingforbooks.org.
This honest review is in exchange for a free book from bloggingforbooks.org.
January 20, 2021
I liked where Chopra was going with this book, but about the time she started talking about her spa trip to recenter, I couldn't take her seriously for advice on how to live with intent. I'm sure her target audience is middle aged, middle class women, like myself, but it didn't resonate with me, as I feel a book of this nature should be relatable for everyone. It just was not my cup of tea.
July 6, 2017
Wonderfully written book. A great read for re-focusing and clarifying where you are in life and what things you need to accept and let go of. Its not about striving to be better, its about being happy with where you are and embracing the whole journey.
March 4, 2015
I won this book from Goodreads
I wanted to learn how to become better organized, and this book help me out, This book would be awesome in a women studies class and a Psy class.
I wanted to learn how to become better organized, and this book help me out, This book would be awesome in a women studies class and a Psy class.
February 9, 2021
This book was an easy to follow memoir. It was very simplistic, but if you want light reading with a dash of hope this is a book you would enjoy for a while.
January 21, 2021
While this book didn’t exactly offer anything groundbreaking, I found it thought provoking and enjoyed reading it.
February 22, 2023
This book is very relatable for me as a person who wanta to do a lot of things, juggling everything, struggling with self-image but still finding the peace within. I will definitely re-read this again for guidance. Highly recommended!
February 25, 2018
3.5
The good:
Chopra manages to connect with the reader in being transparent in her failures. There is something really comforting about a self help book that isn't just preachy. I think the message behind it is really important - living with intent, loving-kindness, and self compassion. It's not a new concept at all, but her journey brings great insight and I really appreciated some of the anecdotes and interviews she included.
The bad:
As another review mentioned, Chopra doesn't really address the privilege that she has. She runs off to a luxury retreat, her kids go to a fancy private school with the children of celebrities, she can attend all these seminars and get special treatment because of her father. It's interesting to see what that life is like, but she does sort of skip over how there's no way her readers could do things like this. I appreciate the intuitive eating section, but there really wasn't anything about body acceptance, and she clearly struggles with it. It would have been nice to see that explored in the book as well. Lastly, she does quite a lot of plugging of her website/social media company in this book, I found it to be a bit over the top.
Overall, a good book to start the mornings off with and remind me of some of the important things to incorporate into my daily life.
The good:
Chopra manages to connect with the reader in being transparent in her failures. There is something really comforting about a self help book that isn't just preachy. I think the message behind it is really important - living with intent, loving-kindness, and self compassion. It's not a new concept at all, but her journey brings great insight and I really appreciated some of the anecdotes and interviews she included.
The bad:
As another review mentioned, Chopra doesn't really address the privilege that she has. She runs off to a luxury retreat, her kids go to a fancy private school with the children of celebrities, she can attend all these seminars and get special treatment because of her father. It's interesting to see what that life is like, but she does sort of skip over how there's no way her readers could do things like this. I appreciate the intuitive eating section, but there really wasn't anything about body acceptance, and she clearly struggles with it. It would have been nice to see that explored in the book as well. Lastly, she does quite a lot of plugging of her website/social media company in this book, I found it to be a bit over the top.
Overall, a good book to start the mornings off with and remind me of some of the important things to incorporate into my daily life.
August 20, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. Spiritualism is something I've been getting more I tune with for myself and I thought this was a great book.
I think somewhere along the way we all lose our intent. Whether we intended to become a teacher but are working as an administrative assistant, or whether we intend to take better care of our selves but find that our clothes are getting snug, I think this book serves a purpose for all.
Personally, I have been struggling with intent for several months. This book came to me at a time I needed to read it. There were several passages that resonated with me, made me think about my own life, and provided tips and suggestions to help me find my true intent.
I would suggest this to anyone struggling with career changes, a sense of self, or someone simply looking to find inner calm. I am so grateful to have read this.
I think somewhere along the way we all lose our intent. Whether we intended to become a teacher but are working as an administrative assistant, or whether we intend to take better care of our selves but find that our clothes are getting snug, I think this book serves a purpose for all.
Personally, I have been struggling with intent for several months. This book came to me at a time I needed to read it. There were several passages that resonated with me, made me think about my own life, and provided tips and suggestions to help me find my true intent.
I would suggest this to anyone struggling with career changes, a sense of self, or someone simply looking to find inner calm. I am so grateful to have read this.
August 26, 2016
I'd give this one a 3.5 if I could. I enjoyed reading it and finished it quickly, but I didn't get as much inspiration from it as I have from other books on similar topics. Still, it was a good reminder of some important life lessons.
May 30, 2025
I listened to this book and loved every second of it. I will be buying this book in paperback so I can do the exercises and use it as a reference. I love how raw and vulnerable Mallika is in sharing her story. I feel like I understand intent better, but also that I can use it to improve my life.
May 27, 2015
This positive, practical book about living with more intention and gratitude (with a healthy dose of meditation) was enjoyable but I found it a little shallow and repetitive.
February 28, 2016
Rozhodně milé a zajímavé povídání o životu se záměrem. Hlavní hrdinka a autorka v jednom mi byla doopravdy sympatická. Nezklame a neurazí.
3.5/5*
3.5/5*
May 17, 2018
Privileged wife complains about being a mom while filling book with other people's insights [garnered through her family's social connections]. Could not identify with any of it.
April 19, 2025
Notable quote I bookmarked in the audiobook:
"If you don't ask, you don't get. You have to share your desire with at least one other person, to take a stand for it, to say this is what I desire. This is what I'm creating for my life. Expressing is away of taking responsibility for what you want."
"10 ways to nurture your spiritual life"
9. Allow spirit to lead. don't listen to the voice that says you always have to be in charge; that constant vigilance is the only way to get anything done. Instead, let spirit try a new way. Intend for everything to work out as it should, then let go and allow opportunities to come your way." - Marianne Williamson, The gift of change.
"In this moment, I realize the power of taking just one step, even if it seems insignificant. Every step reaffirms your intent, then emmpowers and helps create more energy for living the life you want. Any time you act on behalf of someone else or yourself you feel good. What one step can you take today to take towards your intent?"
"If you don't ask, you don't get. You have to share your desire with at least one other person, to take a stand for it, to say this is what I desire. This is what I'm creating for my life. Expressing is away of taking responsibility for what you want."
"10 ways to nurture your spiritual life"
9. Allow spirit to lead. don't listen to the voice that says you always have to be in charge; that constant vigilance is the only way to get anything done. Instead, let spirit try a new way. Intend for everything to work out as it should, then let go and allow opportunities to come your way." - Marianne Williamson, The gift of change.
"In this moment, I realize the power of taking just one step, even if it seems insignificant. Every step reaffirms your intent, then emmpowers and helps create more energy for living the life you want. Any time you act on behalf of someone else or yourself you feel good. What one step can you take today to take towards your intent?"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
Want to give it more stars. I feel it was a memoire mixed with education. Refreshing to know Deepak Chopra's daughter is merely human, with human thoughts, emotions and feelings. I liked her somewhat generational relation that I could connect too. The fact that she eats sugar was an awesome truth, along with her not more relatable lifestyle.
I am a huge fan of Deepak Chopra. However, I couldn't ignore the advantage she definitely had being his daughter and gaining interviews for this book.
Other than that it was very inspirational and I will keep it on my reference list. Perhaps if I knew less about her personal triumphs interviewing prominent people (like Eckhart Tolle etc ..) it would feel more inspiring. Of course these people are going to give their time to Deepak Chopra's daughter!
I am a huge fan of Deepak Chopra. However, I couldn't ignore the advantage she definitely had being his daughter and gaining interviews for this book.
Other than that it was very inspirational and I will keep it on my reference list. Perhaps if I knew less about her personal triumphs interviewing prominent people (like Eckhart Tolle etc ..) it would feel more inspiring. Of course these people are going to give their time to Deepak Chopra's daughter!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2021
Mallika Chopra is one of the most authentic and genuinely humble people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting at an event. This book, quirky and funny in nature, shines light on all of our insecurities of not being enough, not doing enough...all while going through the motions of every day life. Her exercises at the end of each chapter really help focus attention on living your life with purpose, while still forgiving yourself for any "shortcomings." I read it once a year just to get re-aligned with my goals.
September 30, 2022
I liked the book, it was an easy read and practical. Most books have tons of research and data and I get lost in the statistics, however, Mallika Chopra kept it light and relevant. The book is raw and real and even though she is a celebrity child, she has her own demons to conquer (which is what the book is about). I did visit intent.com and it seems to be no longer working. Anyway, thanks for the great tips!
April 21, 2023
I give this book a 'meh'. It's sort of a like a watered-down version of the kinds of inner-peace and self-help books that would have been written by the author's father, but written from her more youthful, more privileged, more modern perspective. I didn't love it, but didn't hate it either, and felt there was some good advice in there....just that my life and that of the author's are very different, and I found some of her stories hard to relate to.
October 24, 2020
𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: OK, this is fine - but to quote the Sixth Sense "you can't help me." MANY of these books can't. mind, i'm older & made more cynical per the times & the advent of the WWW. 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑦, 𝑖𝑓 𝑜𝑛𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝐺𝑂𝑂𝐷 𝐴𝑇𝑇𝐼𝑇𝑈𝐷𝐸, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓-ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑏𝑢𝑘𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠. 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒, 𝑖𝑡 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑦-𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔
October 29, 2020
Excellent. I have never connected with Deepak Chopra. Malluka, however was an instant bond. She is a mother first and and still wants to be her own hero. Entirely relatable. Whilst many tech aspects are no longer available in 2020, the m safe remains strong. I look forward to applying her discoveries to my life.
March 9, 2022
Quick read, generally good content and sentiments. There is alot of talk about sugar and diets, which I think was overdone. I thought Mallika could have more directly discussed anxiety, as it felt like it played a role in her life. I did feel like a genuine book, which was surprising coming from a semi-celebrity.
November 18, 2023
I thought this book would be really heavy and filled with flowery, profound statements but I actually found it very relatable. It was not what I expected. It was an enjoyable read and I saw myself in many of the author’s struggles definitely concerning all of the sugar. I am practicing some of her methods too especially being more intentional when it comes to eating.
August 17, 2024
I’m not one to read self help books but I’m in a place in my life I can’t ignore. I have been attempting to meditate and happened upon this book through Libby. I found it to be very helpful and wished to own it for reference material. That alone is a great recommendation coming from me because I have become a Kindle reader and prefer not have the clutter of books.
September 25, 2024
Demasiado simple, desde su privilegio de spas y viajes habla de tener un propósito, entiendo a lo que se refiere pero siento que se queda superficial en su modo de explicarlo o desde dónde quiere conectar, y que no importa lo que hagas, le pongas una intención o propósito a lo que hagas, y a no ser tan duro contigo mismo. Está bien para alguien que no sabe nada del tema
May 10, 2017
This book is a calming approach to how to live, even with the chaos of being a modern working parent. This is a book I will return to again and again. I can already feel the affects of meditation taking hold on my life. I recommend this highly!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews