If you think setting intentions is limited to yoga classes and meditation retreats, think again. These guiding principles are just as useful for your personal, professional and family, and anything else you do during your daily life. Think about what matters to you and how you want to live your life. When you set intentions, you keep the most important things at the front of your mind, and make it easier to integrate them into your usual routines.
Start by using this checklist to form your intentions for today.
Benefits of Setting Intentions:
Know yourself
The process of creating intentions encourages you to turn your attention inwards. You discover what’s on your mind at a level deeper than the daily grind, such as your outstanding work tasks, paying bills and keeping appointments.
Increase your motivation
It’s easier to put forth effort when you’re doing something that you truly believe in. You’re more likely to persevere until you see results, which creates even more incentives to keep going.
Live more meaningfully
Imagine devoting your time and talents to the projects that you feel passionate about. You can live deliberately and choose your legacy instead of letting events happen to you.
How to Set Your Intentions:
Find a quiet space
Start by clearing away distractions. Sit down in a comfortable position and control your breathing. Calm your mind with prayer and meditation or follow a personal method that works of you to settle down and focus.
Consider your values
Identify your core values and beliefs. Ask yourself what happiness and success mean to you. Think about how you feel when your actions align with your values and you use them to guide your decisions.
Leave behind time wasters
Today’s world can easily swallow up huge blocks of time. What was intended to be a 5-minute check of social media often turns into an hour long marathon of comments and banter. When we have so little discretional time, that hour can make the difference between moving toward your goals and stagnation. Make every part of your day be intentional in where you spend it.
Speak your language
Your affirmations need to resonate with you. Maybe you like to keep them simple or maybe you prefer a more poetic message. Maybe you accomplish more when you look at the big picture or maybe you need more structure and detail.
Think positive
Whatever shape your intentions take, focus on positive statements. Think about what you want instead of what you are trying to avoid. Picture the results and the checkpoints along the way.
Add a timeline
If being compassionate or mindful for the rest of your life sounds a little too challenging, break things down into a single day or hour at a time. Set yourself up for success.
How to Implement Your Intentions:
Write them down
Just the act of putting your intentions into writing can make them seem more concrete and attainable. You’ll strengthen your sense of commitment and make it easier to visualize your destination. As you clarify your intentions, you may also notice any obstacles that you need to address.
Create triggers
Develop reminders that will prevent you from losing sight of your intentions when you’re dealing with daily responsibilities. You may want to revisit them each morning while you meditate or reflect on them while you’re in the shower.
Hold yourself accountable
What would make you more likely to stick to your plans? You could tell family and friends what you’re doing or promise yourself a reward that will keep you on track.
Evaluate your progress
Speaking of staying on track, establish milestones that will help you to see where you are strong, and where you need to keep growing and learning. Learn from your achievements and setbacks.
Ask for feedback
Sometimes it helps to hear what others have to say about how you’re doing. Find someone you trust who you can discuss your intentions with. Give each other the benefit of your combined wisdom and support. Make sure it’s someone you trust and value. Don’t allow someone that won’t be supportive into your process.
Setting intentions can transform your life. The outline you create will create a roadmap to guide your choices and keep you focused on your priorities so you can enjoy more success, happiness and fulfillment.
