The Power of Intention

The Power of Intention: 

I've been diving deep into this whole concept of starting my day with intention and one thing that struck me is that intention isn't just about the goal we want to achieve.

It is really about the feeling we want to nurture throughout our day 

If you think about it - when we set a goal, it's often about a specific outcome, right?

But intention takes it that step further, making it more how we want to experience the journey, or the day itself.

It kind of feels like you are saying that you want to get a project done, but more than that, you want to feel focused, fulfilled, and inspired as you go about it.

Therefore, intention is not the goal we want, it's the feeling.

Let me explain this further in a real-life scenario.

Jenny was an aspiring writer who dreamed of publishing a novel but whose initial intention was simply, ‘I want to write a book.’

To enhance the power of intention, she revised it and proclaimed, “I am dedicating one hour every morning to writing my novel until it’s complete.“

You can see that this specific and time-focused intention provided her with a path for daily actions.

As a result, the novel was finished within the set timeframe, illustrating how clarity in intentions transformed a dream into a tangible achievement.

Have you ever had that moment where the idea of setting intentions gets you excited?

Take our New Year ‘RESOLUTIONS’ as an example.

 Let’s be honest, we all start with the intention to kick off the New Year getting healthier or working toward that trip of a lifetime that's been on the bucket list for a few years now.

Then typically, as the days and weeks go by and the initial excitement and discipline wane, you become uncertain about achieving your goal, you’ve been on this path before.

Well, guess what?

That fear could be the clue, the thought of setting intentions could be a bit like shining a light on areas we might have been avoiding.

It's like saying this is important to me, and I'm willing to acknowledge it.

Or, it may make you feel uncomfortable, so, it's probably hitting on something that's begging for your attention.

Don't shy away from that discomfort; rather look at it with the very reason why you chose to set this intention in the first place.

That's where the real magic unravels.  

It's an opportunity for growth and a chance to align your actions with your true desires.

Trust me the uneasy feeling is often a neon sign that you're onto something meaningful.

Unfortunately, though, we often get stuck in that planning phase, with endless thinking about our intentions, wanting everything to be just right before we even start.

Well, that is when the power of action comes into being because the truth is- it only happens when you start doing it, and sometimes you just need to stop overthinking.

Imagine that you want to set an intention for a more active and healthier lifestyle.

Now, instead of finding every possible excuse or scenario in your head, start with a simple morning walk or a quick workout, where it is clear that action is the catalyst for change.

Don't wait for the perfect conditions; they rarely come, just take that first step, and you'll be amazed at how the momentum builds.

Sometimes, it's about doing first and thinking later and you will find it so much more liberating and incredibly effective.

There will always be challenges.

So, let's start with perfection.

Perfection is that old sneaky trap where we often hold back from setting intentions because we want everything to be perfect - the perfect weather, the perfect time, the perfect sportswear.

Let me tell you, perfection is a myth. Your intentions should resonate with your core values, those beliefs that shape your identity. You can’t say health is your highest value if you never start the action towards a healthier you.

Here's the reality check - it's okay for things to be messy, imperfect, and a little chaotic.

That's where the beauty often lies. Your intentions don't need to start at a particular time or be the perfect day, time, weather or outfit; they just need your genuine commitment.

Commitment starts with a plan.

Planning is seen as the blueprint of our intentions. It's where we make clear decisions about how we want to start.

When you plan, you're not just letting the day happen to you; you're actively shaping it in line with your desires. It's a powerful shift from reacting to life to responding with purpose.

AHAH!!! This is a good one.

Enter procrastination, the arch-nemesis of intention-setting.

You know how it goes - you have this great idea and a fantastic intention, but instead of diving in, you find a million other things to do. It's like a subtle form of self-sabotage.

It is important to realise though that procrastination often again stems from fear, uncertainty, or even a lack of clarity about where to start. It's this sneaky delay tactic that keeps us from moving forward. The longer we put things off, the more daunting they become.

Breaking the cycle of procrastination starts with recognising it. Ask yourself what's holding you back. Is it fear? Lack of motivation?

Once you pinpoint the cause, you can take small, manageable steps to overcome it. Remember, progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

Finally, there comes Clarity.

Clarity is the secret sauce to effective intention-setting. If your values are the compass, clarity is the map. Imagine setting off on a road trip without a clear destination or route. Chances are, you'll end up driving in circles.

So, take the time to invest in some self-reflection. Figure out what you value most in life then once you have that clarity, your intentions become a powerful tool for manifesting a life that resonates with your core beliefs.

One last tip.

From experience, I know there is a phenomenon called the power of today. The actions you take right now, in this moment shape your future.

Imagine an athlete whose dream was to compete in the Olympic Games. It may have begun with a dream but it was her intention setting that propelled her to train every single day.

Setting intentions for today, this week is like laying the stepping stones.

When you wake up and set intentions for the day, you're actively steering your life. It's not about the end destination; it's about the journey.

Grab hold of the power of today, for it's the foundation on which your tomorrow stands.