Intentional Living: Elevate Your Personal and Professional Growth Game
Snehal R. Singh
TedX Speaker???Writer's Coach, ?Done for Your Publishing, ?? Self Publishing Expert, Publisher, 13X Best Selling Author, Best-Selling Expert, Abundance Strategist, Speaker, Podcaster
2024 has begun, and many are finding their way to sticking to their goals and resolutions and many have just unknowingly, unintentionally dropped it. Where do you stand? There is one more – individuals who have outgrown the goals, resolutions, new year, new week, or next Monday and have chosen to live intentionally.
Living intentionally doesn’t mean not having goals. Intentional living is a philosophy and lifestyle approach that emphasizes mindfulness, purpose, and conscious decision-making in all aspects of one's life. The core idea is to live with a clear sense of purpose, aligning actions and choices with one's values and goals.
Setting intentions is not just a buzzword; it's a powerful tool that can significantly impact our personal and professional lives. In a world filled with constant distractions, understanding the art of setting intentions can provide the clarity needed for meaningful growth and success.
Let’s understand what setting intentions means. Differentiating between goals and intentions is crucial. Goals are specific achievements, while intentions are the guiding principles that shape our actions. The power of mindful intention-setting lies in its ability to align our daily choices with our deeper values and purpose. While it sounds simple and easy there are layers to making this a way of life.
In the simplest words I like to look at intentions to be the fuel, the energy the power that leads us towards our dreams, desires, goals, or wishes.
Have you noticed some individuals or even us many times have set certain goals, and we know we definitely want to achieve them – yet, we do not take even a tiny action step towards it after strategic planning, applying SMART action plans, or being as specific as possible.
Why Setting Daily Intentions Matters... Even More Than Your Goals
95% of our daily decisions are made by the subconscious mind. Learn how setting daily intentions primes your mind to take action toward your ideal future.
On average, we make 35,000 decisions each day, 95 percent of our daily decisions take place in the subconscious mind.
An intention speaks to your underlying values. Intentions clarify who you want to BE. For anyone to achieve anything in life – one needs to be who has achieved it before getting there. Intentions help you be that individual and work from that space with ease.
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“Yad bhavam tad bhavati,” ?which means “You are what you believe,” or “You become as you think.”
How does the power of intention work-
·???????? Intentions Have No Limits
·???????? Intentions Affect Every Aspect of Your Life
·???????? Intentions Keep You Centered
·???????? Intentions Improve Your Effectiveness
·???????? Intentions Make You More Mindful
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“Intention Follows Thought
Thought Follows Focus
Where focus goes energy flows”
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In short, Intention is the guiding compass that works in alignment with the subconscious and conscious mind, to create the life we desire.
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A Few Benefits of Setting Intentions
1. Improved Focus and Productivity:
?? Setting intentions helps narrow our focus, reducing the mental clutter that often accompanies a busy life. This, in turn, enhances productivity as we channel our energy towards what truly matters.
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2. Enhanced Decision-Making:
?? Intentions serve as a compass, guiding decision-making processes. When faced with choices, having a clear intention provides a framework for making decisions that align with our values and goals.
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3. Positive Impact on Well-being:
?? Mindful living through intention-setting contributes to overall well-being. It fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading to increased satisfaction and reduced stress levels.
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How to Set Intentions:
For beginners it just takes 3 ingredients to set intentions -
Ingredient 1 – Clarity – Ask yourself – Who do I need to be today to be one step closer to my goals? “For eg. The answer comes – Be timely or be present or show up.” There is no right or wrong – Your subconscious knows and will guide you. It's about strengthening the Inner voice and the muscle of Intuition.
Ingredient 2 - State It – Now put it in a statement form. “I intend to be on time with everything I do today.” Or “I intend to be in the present moment.” Or “ I will show up for all my commitments today.”
Ingredient 3 -? Write it – Write it down. One can use a journal or even a post it note for the day
One can then start setting intentions for every activity that they enter mindfully in. Like just before a meeting – “I intend to be fully present and trust that this conversation will lead to …… (whatever the intent of the meeting is).”
Of course, it is going to take practice to make it a way of life. Of course, there are going to be obstacles and roadblocks initially – oh wait – will there be – are we setting an intent for roadblocks and obstacles to show up? Mindfulness is bringing awareness to our thoughts and witnessing them and mindfully choosing them before we get consumed by them.
Overcoming Challenges:
1. Addressing Common Obstacles:
?? Recognize and address common challenges, such as distractions or self-doubt. Developing strategies to overcome these obstacles is key to maintaining intentionality.
2. Adapting Intentions to Changing Circumstances:
?? Life is dynamic, and circumstances change. Learn to adapt your intentions without losing sight of your overall purpose, allowing flexibility in the pursuit of your goals.
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Cultivating a Mindset of Intentions:
1. Integrating Intentions into Long-term Vision:
?? Align your intentions with your long-term vision. This ensures that short-term goals contribute to your broader aspirations, creating a sense of purposeful progression.
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2. Encouraging a Culture of Intentionality in the Workplace:
?? Explore ways to promote intentionality in the workplace. Encourage colleagues to set intentions, fostering a collaborative environment driven by shared values and goals.
?It's not late to start today.
In a world that often pulls us in multiple directions, setting intentions is a beacon of clarity. By understanding the distinction between goals and intentions, recognizing the benefits, and implementing practical strategies, we can cultivate a mindset that leads to both personal fulfillment and professional success. Embrace the art of setting intentions and watch as it transforms your journey towards a more purposeful and meaningful life.
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