7 Tips for Setting Powerful Intentions and Living with Purpose
Ana Maria “Penny” S. Bongato, ICF-ACC, FPM
Motivational Speaker, Associate Certified Coach (ICF), Author, Canfield Certified Trainer, Top?? Influential Filipino Women to Follow Hall of Famer on LinkedIn, Top ?? Filipinos to Follow on LinkedIn (2019-2023),
I have always loved New Year. New Year has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a time of reflection for me and a time to set my intentions for the new year. As the old year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past 12 months, both the highs and the lows.
It's a time to take stock of my accomplishments and shortcomings and to consider how I can grow and improve in the coming year. Setting intentions is an important part of this process, as it helps me stay focused and motivated throughout the year.
What Does It Mean To Set Your Intention?
When we talk about setting your intention, it means consciously determining the direction or focus of your thoughts, actions, and energy. It's like planting a seed in your mind that guides your choices and helps you stay focused on what you want to achieve or experience.
Setting your intention can be done in various ways, such as through affirmations, visualization, or simply stating your goals. It helps you align your actions with your desired outcomes and brings a greater sense of clarity and purpose to your daily life.
So, what intentions do you have in mind? I'm here to help you explore and achieve them!
Tips on How to Set Powerful Intentions
Tip #1: Reflect on Your Values and Purpose
The first step in setting powerful intentions is to reflect on your values and purpose. Goals that align with our values and purpose are more meaningful and motivating.
Ask yourself questions such as…
"What do I want to achieve?"
"Why is this goal important to me?"
“What are the things that matter to me the most?”
“What are the things I wish to stop doing?”
“Do I feel resentment towards someone or something?”
“How do I feel whenever I experience good things?”
“What are the things I am proud of?”
“What positive word(s) would I like to say to myself?”
“What are the limiting beliefs that I would like to let go of?”
“What are the things I am grateful for?”
Reflecting on these questions will help you set meaningful goals and can offer you so many insights that align with your values.
Tip #2: Use the SMARTER Framework
Use the SMARTER framework to set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound, evaluated, and rewarded goals. This framework ensures that your goals are focused, realistic, and aligned with your values.
For example, instead of setting a vague intention to "get fit," set a SMARTER intention to "lose 10 pounds in the next three months by exercising five times a week and eating a balanced diet."
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Tip #3: Take Consistent Action
Setting powerful intentions is just the first step toward achieving your goals. Taking consistent action is the key to turning your dreams into reality. Create a plan and take small, consistent steps toward your daily goals. Celebrate your progress, and don't be afraid to adjust your plan as needed.
Tip #4: Overcome Obstacles
Challenges and obstacles are a natural part of achieving your goals. Don't let them discourage you or derail your progress. Instead, be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges. Take 100% responsibility for your life, clarify your vision, develop a plan, take action, and persevere in the face of challenges.
Tip #5: Believe in Yourself
Believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. A positive mindset and self-belief are crucial to achieving success. Visualize yourself achieving your goals, focusing on your successes rather than failures. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who believe in you and your dreams.
Tip #6 Take Things Easy
Intentions are affirmations that the things you have set your mind to achieve will eventually pass.
It's great to learn about setting intentions and working towards achieving your goals, but it's essential to avoid getting too overwhelmed by the process. It's important to approach things with a sense of ease and to focus on following a step-by-step process rather than getting overly worked up about the result.
Remember that success is often the result of consistent effort over time rather than a single moment of high intensity. So take a deep breath, be patient, and trust the process.
Tip #7 Be Grateful For Being Alive
Finally, be grateful for being alive. Only those who are alive can set intentions. Unlike the dead, the living have the ability to form desires, aspirations, and intentions. This is a powerful gift that we should be grateful for, as it gives us the chance to shape our lives in ways that align with our deepest values and goals.
When we recognize the privilege of being alive, we can tap into a sense of wonder and purpose that drives us forward. We can believe in ourselves and our ability to create the future we want, even in the face of adversity or uncertainty.
So, if you're feeling stuck or unsure of what to do next, remember that you have the power to set intentions and create the life you want. Be grateful for the gift of being alive, believe in yourself, and trust that you have what it takes to accomplish your dreams.
In conclusion, setting powerful intentions is essential to achieving our goals and turning our dreams into reality. By reflecting on our values, using the SMARTER framework, taking consistent action, overcoming obstacles, believing in ourselves while taking things easy, and being grateful, we can set ourselves up for a successful and fulfilling year ahead.
Remember, success is within reach when we set clear and empowering goals, take action toward them, and persevere in facing challenges.