The Power of Setting an Intention – And Sticking to It! – As we wrap up 2023, I want to congratulate you on making it though another year. You’re here! So, make sure to give yourself a high five and tell yourself how proud you are for coming this far. Life can be hard (sometimes super hard), and the fact that you are here to celebrate another day is HUGE!!!
This upcoming year I want you to think big — as in big picture. Instead of setting a resolution, think about setting an intention. What’s the difference you ask? A lot.
Resolutions stem from a lack mindset. Resolutions spotlight what you don’t have and are focused on smaller but often vague and hard to reach goals like losing weight, quitting drinking, or being a better friend etc. Resolutions offer instant gratification but set you up for failure and disappointment in the long run.
Intentions stem from an abundant mindset. Intentions highlight positive and flexible call to actions based on what you already have. Intentions focus on the bigger picture, and set you up or success, so that you carry them with you in years to come.
Now that you know the difference between a resolution and an intention, the next step is to create an intention that resonates with you.
Step 1: Set an intention. When creating an intention, I want you to get really clear on what it is that you want. The intention can be connected to anything that you want to take action on in order to see a positive change. This can be your career, family, social life, dreams, or self-care practice.
For example, your intention can look like “I intend on having a healthier and more loving relationship with my dad so that we can be in each other’s lives more often” or “I intend to find part-time work as a writer so that I can save up enough money to self-publish my book.”
Step 2: Believe in your intention. Whatever intention you want to set for yourself, it must be attainable, come from your heart, and be something you believe you can actually achieve. If you set an intention from the mindset of, “I’m not good enough. This will never happen to me.” Then guess what? It won’t. Even if you have doubts about reaching your goal, you my friend are worthy of achieving a positive outcome. And, you are worthy of living a heathier and happier life. The intention was placed in your heart for a reason.
Step 3: Write your intention down. After you come up with your intention for the new year, the next step is to write your intention down. Start off by writing, “I intend on/to….” and fill in the blank. There is tremendous power in the connection between your thoughts, your heart, and your hand. Allow the words to flow through you. You can write your intention in a journal or jot it down on a post-it note. There is no right or wrong way to do this.
Step 4: Share your intention. Finally, when you first wake up each morning, repeat your intention three times. You can do this in front of a mirror, sitting on your bed, or as you brush your teeth. Relax your body as you say the words. If it helps, you can also close your eyes. By saying your intention out loud, you are telling The Universe what you want. Additionally, this action serves as a reminder to your brain to prioritize the intention.
Step 5: Don’t get discouraged. Results take time so don’t get discouraged if you set an intention and you don’t see anything happen. The Universe works in mysterious ways behind the scenes. Have patience and continue to be proactive in the change you intend to see. And remember, January 1st, 2024 is just another day. So, don’t put so much pressure on yourself! If you don’t achieve your goal by a certain date, it’s okay.
Step 6: As you wait for change… Focus your energy on what you can do today that will positively impact your day tomorrow. Whatever happened to you this past year, try to leave it in the past. It does not serve you to bring the energy of your past into your future. Keep in mind that you have little control over the people and things that are outside of you, but you do have control over how you internalize what happens to you. Finally, remember that things can change at any given moment. Have hope, be patient, and expect good things to happen to you.
Here’s to YOU. May the upcoming year be good to you and may your intentions carry you through the year.
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Dana-Maxx Pomerantz Mindfulness and Happiness Coach Founder of The Be Happy Project
Connect with Dana-Maxx: https://snipfeed.co/thebehappyproject
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