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There’s a lot of buzz around the concept of intention setting these days, so what’s all the hype about?
When you think about the word intention, or intentional, you probably closely relate the word to some capacity of determination, or having determination towards something. While being intentional does involve having determination, it also entails having a particular kind of focus.
Boiling it down a bit further, a daily intention is a decision we make to consciously focus our energies and efforts. It helps us to zero in on a particular area of our lives that we wish to excel at on a given day. It means showing gratitude for what we already have, while also taking action towards what we wish to become.
Here are some examples of intentions.
1. I intend to learn more by listening than speaking today.
2. I intend to lead by example.
3. I intend to keep an open mind today, even when I hear opposing viewpoints.
When you set intentions like these, it’s important to recognize that your intentions are distinct from your goals, and thus require a different approach.
Goals relate to tangible entities. For example, striving to lose 15 pounds, or earning an A on your paper are both examples of goals. Intentions, on the other hand, are what fuel your goals and visions. They help you to actualize your dreams, and serve as a means of motivation.
Setting intentions is like aligning our inner compass to due north. When we define our intentions, we define our direction.
If you’re ready to gain more clarity and purpose in your life, follow these steps to set your own intentions.
How to Set Intentions in Your Life
1. Maintain a positive tone when you develop your intentions. When you set your intentions, make sure it’s always with a positive mindset. You want to be inspired, not discouraged when you repeat it to yourself. For example, if your intention is to keep a positive attitude, try something like, “My intention is to find the silver lining in every challenge that arises today.” Avoid intentions that are negative, like, “My intention is to stop being a Negative Nancy.” You need your intention to be uplifting and inspirational, rather than negative and pessimistic.
2. Don’t look too far ahead. While it’s always a good idea to keep the big picture in mind, looking too far ahead can make the future a bit overwhelming and less attainable. Instead, focus on the short term when you develop your intentions. More than likely, your aspirations will take multiple steps to come to fruition. This is why it’s best to break up your intentions into segments to reflect where you are in your journey.
3. Keep it flexible. It’s highly likely that your intentions will evolve as you move forward, and this a good thing! If you stick with the same intention day in and day out, you probably won’t respond to it as well on the tenth day as you did on the first. Your intentions should be easily modified and adjusted as you go along. For example, if your original intention was to invite more calm and tranquility into your life, it may be that after a few days your intention evolves to something like, “My intention is to appreciate the calm and tranquility I’ve brought into my life.”
4. Hold yourself accountable. Intentions don’t mean much if we don’t hold ourselves accountable. And while setting intentions may seem like a one-stop shop at first, it’s actually a journey. From the moment you first decide on an intention, to the moment when you actualize that intention, setting intentions is a process. Write down your intentions and keep them in an easy-to-find spot. Let them serve as a reminder of what you’re working towards every day, and check in with them frequently.
5. Reflect with gratitude. Whether you just set your intention yesterday, last week, or three months ago, take the time to reflect on your intentions and the experience of your journey. What have you learned? How far have you come? Appreciate the effort you’ve put forth towards these intentions, and show gratitude for the journey.
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