The Power of Daily Intention
Where the Attention Goes, the Energy Flows
When the odometer on another year rolls over, we usually ponder long-term resolutions for the new year. We seek to change some aspect of ourselves by taking on a new behavior or eliminating one that isn't working for us.
If we look beneath the surface of our resolutions, perhaps we are asking ourselves a deeper question: “Am I living with intention and purpose, or just allowing my life to pass by?”
Most of us have a desire to continually grow and expand ourselves. We might crave a challenge or recognize a longing that we wish to fulfill. Much to our chagrin, we often allow fear, doubt, and uncertainty to derail our best effort.
Intention: “an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions = aim, design, intent, purpose.”
What if we begin a practice of “intentionality” for 2016? The Web Dictionary defines intention as “an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions. ” Incorporating daily intention into our lives helps us to function in a focused direction so that we may act daily with more purpose and intent. We can "chunk" out our long-term goals into daily tasks that appear much more achievable and less daunting.
Setting a daily intention offers us the opportunity to stay committed to our desired outcome. It provides us benchmarks in order to meet our needs and goals as they arise each day.
As we cultivate and evaluate our daily intention, we pay closer attention to what we are doing which makes us become more mindful of the changes we hope to create for ourselves. This attention and evaluation allows us to live more authentically and purposefully each day and allows us to enjoy our successes.
Guidance to create a practice of daily intention:
1. Set a realistic intention for yourself each morning before the start of your day.
2. Reflect upon the success of your intention at the end of each day and think about any necessary changes.
3. Notice how it feels for you to experience the power of setting and reflecting on your intention each day.
4. Practice living intentionally for the next 30 days
