Learn these easy steps to help you set daily intentions and make the most of your day!
We have all heard that goal setting is one of the best tools to help you work towards your dreams and best life. But did you know that setting a daily intention is one of the most powerful ways to give direction and focus to your day?
I use daily intentions to help me be more mindful about how I want my day to be, and I have seen such great results that I knew I wanted to share how you can use intentions too.
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What is a Daily Intention?
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An intention differs from a goal in that it has no end objective with actions steps to take. Rather it’s a notion or idea of how you want things rather than something tangible.
They help create focus as well as allow for a more positive mindset. Think of them as reminders about how you want to live life.
Why Do Daily Intentions Work?
By giving your brain a specific intention to work on, your subconscious starts filtering your daily experiences to work towards the intention.
Sounds far-fetched?
Have a think about how you suddenly see pregnant women everywhere after finding out a close friend is pregnant. Or maybe you just bought a new car and now you see the same make everywhere.
They were always there but now you have made your brain aware this is something to notice it is filtering new information in relation to this.
By setting intentions you may start seeing new opportunities that you previously missed during the usual daily information overload. Or you will start to notice the things that are going to help you make your goals happen rather than the negatives and hurdles.
It’s a little bit like giving your brain a compass so it knows which direction to head in!
So how do you get your grey matter to help you focus on what you really want? Here are some super easy ways to start your daily intention practice.
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How To Set A Daily Intention
1. Create The Space
Just like goal setting, your first step is to create the space to set the intention. Find the time that works best for you and make an appointment with yourself so you are sure to keep it. I find that early mornings before the rush of my day starts is the best time. But you may decide to do it while making your first cup of coffee for the day.
2. Start a Ritual
This doesn’t mean that any woo-woo has to be involved ( although if you love it then of course it can be part of your ritual). It just means making a practice that allows your mind and body to focus and quieten from their usual busyness. It can be as simple as sitting in your favorite spot at home or stopping to set your intention before getting out of bed.
3. Connect To Yourself
An intention is only going to work if it is truly what you want. And although that sounds simple. You may be surprised at how little you are connected to how you feel, and what lights you up!
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself and think about how you are feeling that day. Take the time to notice your mood, your worries, and what makes you happy. If you meditate then your meditation practice is the perfect time to incorporate intention setting.
4. Practise Gratitude
While you are connecting with yourself take a moment to think about things you are grateful for in your life. Try to be as specific as you can.
For example, rather than “ I am thankful for all the great people in my life” change it to a more specific person or incident. “ I am thankful for my partner who cooked dinner last night because they noticed how tired I was”.
Be taking the time to notice all the things in your life you are thankful for, you help change your mindset to a more positive outlook.
5. Set Your Intention
You will probably discover your intention will come to you naturally after taking the first 4 steps. You may get a feeling about how you want to feel, or be. Or something gets you excited! Go with those intuitions.
If you don’t then it’s okay.
Maybe ask yourself some questions. Like “How would I like to feel?” or “What makes me feel excited?”. Or you could set your intention in regards to a specific event that is happening that day.
When you set your intention remember to use positive language. For example, use “ Show kindness to others and make someone’s day better”, rather than “ Stop getting angry over the small things”.
Try to summarize your intention into a sentence or two. It can be more like a mantra if that is what works for you.
6. Be Accountable
Write down your intention.
Your daily planner is a great place to do this. This way you will see your intention throughout the day which works as a reminder and reset for your brain.
It can be a great idea to stop and take a minute when you see your intention throughout the day. See how you’re feeling about the intention, what you have noticed, and any outcomes.
You may also want to say the intention out loud to yourself.
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7. Let Go Of Control
This is one of the trickiest parts of setting an intention.
Unlike goals where you actively take control of all the steps that will help you achieve them, with intentions you must let go of trying to control the outcomes.
Here you need to trust the universe, or the process (depending on your beliefs).
Intentions are about allowing the right things to happen, rather than you making them happen. This is how things often turn out in wonderful ways we could never have imagined (or forced) ourselves.
Try Intention Setting Today
Setting a daily intention is a powerful tool to help you make each day count.
By choosing the intention that truly resonates with you, you will find that you’re more positive, and your goals become more achievable.
Why not try to set an intention today?
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