When was the last time you sat down and created a list of intentions? We’re not talking about a goal you want to achieve or a milestone, we’re talking about how you want to show up in the world.
I intend to live in the now.
I intend to express gratitude in the workplace.
I intend to see the good around me.
These are examples of some intentions that could help you lead and live a more purposeful life.
In November 2021, WYLD met virtually with Getaway to talk about the power of intention, and how it impacts your mind, body and soul. Here are some of the key takeaways from that session.
So what exactly is an intention?
An Intention = intrinsic motivation, way of being on the journey.
Intentions are:
- A purposeful guide
- Energy-focused
- Room for flow and magic
- Intangible
And, how do intentions differ from goals?
A goal is an extrinsic motivation that has an end result.
Goals are:
- Specific, measurable, actionable,realistic, timely
- Plan or commitment to achieve something in the future
- Tangible
Intentions come from the heart and guide your way of living. And so long as you want to live with intention, there is no end or completion. As human beings we are ever evolving and the only thing that remains constant is change. So, when you set intentions it’s ok if they change. In fact, they should change as you adapt and grow. You’ll find that when you begin to live with more purpose you will continue to push for more.
So how can you get started on setting one? It’s a lot easier than you think. The best way to begin, if this is all new for you, is small. What are intentions that you can set for yourself for the next hour, the next day, week, month, or year. With each positive intention, you’ll signal to your brain to reinforce and strengthen that way of being.
Every time we reframe a negative into a positive or as something to get curious about, we start to create new neurological pathways in our brain. We all have our typical ways of responding to stress triggers – these are the highways in our brain we automatically find ourselves driving on. But what if we could change the way we react? What if we could develop new neurological “roads” that help us move away from old, unhealthy patterning and move towards healthier ways to manage our stress and anger? This is where setting intentions can play a positive role on our mental well-being.
So let’s get started.
Find a way to clear your mind and reset your energy maybe by going for a quick walk, listening to music, taking 10-20 slow, deep breaths, or doing a mini meditation to get yourself into the right headspace for self-reflection.
Then, on a piece of paper write down your answers to the following questions:
- Choose 1 word that represents the gift of 2022, and 1 word to direct your focus in 2023.
- How does that inform what you wish to start, stop, or continue?
- You can stop there or if you’d like to dive deeper… reflect on the spheres of your life (ex. home, work, personal relationships) where you shine vs. the areas that are less energizing or involve fewer proud moments. Choose 1 word or a short phrase that can help you shift your impact in the sphere(s) you would like to improve on.
Now that you’ve identified some intentions for yourself it’s time to put them into practice. Here are few ways you can implement them:
- Find your gratitude. Before embarking on your journey of living a more intentional life find time to identify what you’re grateful for. Take this time to honor your mind and body by preparing your soul for a new journey.
- Write them down. There’s no better way to commit to your intentions than to put pen to paper. Write these intended ways of being down along with the energy or any thoughts you might have around them. You can reflect back to your writing in the future to see how far you’ve come.
- Meditate. Meditation helps you visualize and manifest your intentions.
- How do the people around you support your progress? Reflect on your tribe and prioritize spending time with those that help you shine and who are willing to help lovingly hold you accountable to the way you want to show up in the world.
Interested in connecting with a WYLD guide and exploring your strengths more? Email them at hello@wyldleadership.com to get your session scheduled and they will match you with a coach that fits your professional and personal goals. Mention promo code WYLD20 for 20% off (this includes a CliftonStrengths code to take the behavioral assessment). A coaching session with a WYLD guide will be tailored to your self development needs, whatever you lead… a business, a family, a team, or your own self through the day, gift yourself the time and space to reflect and grow.
Need an escape to set new intentions? Book your Getaway today.