As I have talked with friends over the years, most of them fall into one of two camps. The first camp loves the whole concept of intentionality, self-improvement, setting and striving after goals, and becoming the best version of oneself. They reason that everyone must agree that it is better to be planned and proactive about life. Their enthusiasm can be obnoxious (I usually fall in this camp). The second camp bristles at the first camp and finds their superiority insulting. For them, goals, systems, and being intentional about every miniscule moment is a ball and chain that squeezes all fun out of life. Does it have to be this way? Are the two different types destined to never understand each other?

The intentional individual argues that without intentionality nothing significant is ever accomplished. The spontaneous spirit thinks intentionality is boring and stifling and overrated. 

A path in the middle exists. It is not a compromise resigned to a watered-down intentionality and spontaneity, but a realization that the best way has room for both. This requires a bit of a paradigm shift, but the benefit is definitely worth it. What does this look like?

• The best form of intentionality leaves plenty of room for creativity and spontaneity.If the only reason that I am driving so hard to be intentional is so that I can accomplish twice as much, I am missing the point of being alive. Life is to be savored. The best intentionality makes plenty of room for slow dinners and playing with the kids, great vacations and relaxing hobbies. The thoughtful intentional person laser focuses on the important, casts off the needless, and enjoys the space that good prioritizing affords.
• The best form of spontaneity benefits from the freedom and focus that a little bit of intentionality offers.One does not need to have pages and pages of goals and detailed lists of tasks in order to live purposefully. Purpose comes from priority and focus. A small dose of well-placed intentionality compounds the effectiveness and enjoyment of spontaneity. The great writer or artist depends on structured time with no distraction allowing the creative juices to flow freely.
• Great intentionality and spontaneity both spring from the practice of reflection. Without time to think and focus we are blown about in whatever direction the winds blow our way. Reflection moves us ahead of those winds. Reflection is the father of intentionality; the soul of spontaneity. 
• Begin the day with reflection and enjoy the benefits throughout. After many years of fighting to sleep in as long as possible, convinced I was a night owl, I finally relented and have come to treasure my morning hours as the very favorite in the day. Early hours free me to plan both intentional focus and unbridled spontaneity – the best of both worlds.
• For the intentionally wired person – schedule in generous time for spontaneous living. For the spontaneously wired person – make small pockets of time for intentional planning and focus that create the margin for your spontaneity.

The best option is not intentionality versus spontaneity, but intentionality and spontaneity teamed together.