An intention is more than just a wish or desire; it is a conscious and purposeful commitment to a specific goal or outcome. It involves a clear focus, rooted in mindfulness and aligned with your values, guiding your thoughts, actions, and energy toward manifesting that goal. Setting intentions goes beyond simply hoping for something to happen—it is about actively creating the conditions that will bring your desired outcome into reality. Intentions can shape your mindset, influence your decisions, and inspire positive change in your life, whether you're striving for personal growth, improving relationships, or pursuing creative endeavors.
"Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny."
~Mahatma Gandhi
When setting an intention, it’s essential to approach it with clarity, positivity, and belief. It is not about forcing an outcome but rather creating space for your goals to unfold naturally.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to best set and cultivate powerful intentions:
REFLECT
What values do you want to imbody? How do you want to feel? What decision move you closer to what you want to feel?
CREATE
Writing down your intentions helps to make them more tangible. It helps put them out into the world to help bring them to life.
KEEP IT POSITIVE
How you think and write matter! Instead of saying "have less stress", state "be more calm and trust that everything will work out."
MAKE THEM VISIBLE
Put your intentions in spots where you easily see them everyday so you can remind yourself what you're working on.
BE PRESENT
Check in with yourself once a day to reflect on where you're at, what you're doing great on, and where you can improve.
FIND JOY
This practice isn't about achieving perfection: it's meant to be an enjoyable guide for self-improvement.
Questions to ask yourself:
- What brings me joy?
- What makes me feel alive?
- What no longer serves me?
- What limiting beliefs do I have?
- What is my dream?
- Why is this important to me?
- How do I get there?
- What are my milestones?
- What are the target dates for those milestones?
