Setting intentions has become a popular concept in the self-care industry...and for good reason. When used effectively, it can be a transformative force that
benefits us at any stage of our lives.
Intentions have the power to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions, providing us with clarity, direction, motivation, and focus. They act as a map, guiding us toward our desired destination.
A year ago, my friend's daughter, Ally, set an intention to pursue a career aligned with her passion for writing. By setting this intention, she gained the clarity she needed to take specific steps, like enrolling in writing courses and networking with industry professionals.
This sense of direction guided her in making informed decisions and taking purposeful action.
Today, she is a successful writer for a prominent magazine. It all began with a simple intention.
Intentions can range from lofty aspirations to tiny actions
that improve various aspects of our lives. Here are some examples of tiny intentions you might consider adopting on a daily basis:
Smile at strangers.
Drink more water.
Take a 10-minute walk after dinner.
Read one chapter before bed.
Practice gratitude before getting out of bed.
Write in a journal for five minutes.
Meditate for five minutes.
Compliment someone.
Practice deep breathing.
Try a new
recipe.
Stretch for a few minutes in the morning.
Disconnect from technology for an
hour.
Send a kind text to a loved one.
Learn a new word.
Practice mindfulness while eating.
Declutter one tiny area of your home.
Listen to uplifting music.
Practice self-care for 15 minutes.
Take breaks and stretch at work.
Prioritize a good night's sleep.
Now, let's explore how to set intentions that actually work...both lofty and tiny, depending on what you're aiming for.
Reflection: Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you.
Consider your passions, aspirations, and areas of personal growth. Identify goals that resonate with your inner self.
Lofty Intention: Suppose you discover that traveling to various states resonates with you. In that case, you can set an intention to explore a new state every
year.
Tiny Intention: Reflecting on your everyday vocabulary, you may realize that adding more descriptive words would make your communication more interesting.
Clarity: Get crystal clear about your intentions. Define your goals with precision and specificity. Consider what you want to achieve, why it matters to you, and how it aligns with your personal growth and fulfillment.
Lofty Intention: To bring clarity to your intention of writing about your life, define your goal as writing a paragraph or two each day about a specific story.
Tiny Intention: If your goal is to get more organized, specify ONE area of your home and commit
to a timed 10-minute decluttering session every day.
Visualization: Close your eyes and vividly imagine your intention already manifested. Create a mental movie where you see yourself living your intention fully. Feel the emotions, joy, and sense of accomplishment as if it's
happening right now.
Lofty Intention: Visualize yourself delivering valuable knowledge on a YouTube channel focused on your passion. Hear yourself talk. See the positive feedback from your audience. Feel the fulfillment of making an impact.
Tiny Intention: Picture yourself plugging your phone in after dinner and immersing yourself in activities like crafts or quality time with loved ones. Breathe in the sense of disconnection from the digital world and the peace it brings.
Affirmations: Craft positive affirmations that support your intention. Repeat them daily, especially during challenging times. Affirmations help reinforce your belief in yourself and your ability to achieve your dreams.
Lofty Intention: If your intention is to start your own business, repeat affirmations like "I have the skills, knowledge, and determination to build a successful business" or "I attract opportunities and resources to support my entrepreneurial journey."
Tiny Intention: If you want to read more, affirmations such as "I can relax enough to read each evening" or "Reading is enjoyable and I deserve to take the time for it" can reinforce your commitment.
Action: Take consistent action towards your
intention. Break it down into smaller steps and create a plan. Celebrate each milestone along the way, reinforcing your belief in yourself and your intention. Remember, every step brings you closer to your dreams.
Lofty Intention: If your intention is to become a yoga instructor, research
teacher training programs, enroll in a certification course, practice regularly, and share your journey on social media. Each milestone serves as a reminder of your progress and keeps you motivated.
Tiny Intention: If your intention is to drink more water, download and starting using a
reminder app. Keep track of your progress with a marked water bottle that gives you a clear visual of how much water you drank and how much
more you have to go. Setting intentions is a powerful practice that can transform your life, regardless of the size of your goals. By incorporating reflection, clarity, visualization, affirmations, and action, you harness the potential to achieve your dreams and create a life aligned with your
deepest desires.
Start setting intentions today and embrace the incredible power they hold.
