Living with Purpose: Setting Intentions for Success and Well-being

What’s the intent?

This question came from a friend when I poured in an idea about how I wanted to begin a survey. Initially, I thought I didn't hear the question right.

When I asked to repeat, the question stayed the same: "What's the intent?"

As I concluded, my dear friend wasn't listening at all to all the details. I did tell her my action pointers, goals, and reasons.

I showed my disappointment at her being disinterested.

But to my surprise, she was all ears and not only had heard me but also appreciated the concept. Yet she wanted to know "the intent". She refused to take any of my replies and simply left me confused with the thought.

When I now look back, I feel that if I had worked on "setting an intent" for the idea I had proposed, I wouldn't have thrown it away just like that.

I had an idea, which at that moment seemed very dear to me, and I did spend a good time building the concept and setting goals.

"Intent setting" represents our deepest desire and comes from our soul. It defines who we really are and what kind of being we want to become. Setting an intent helps us stay in the present moment, always!

It would be difficult to point out now when the "then question" actually started making sense to me.

Despite not having an answer "then", I did start questioning my every action, "What's the intent?"

Eventually, I started a journey of transformation.

I started to use simple intent settings for almost every conversation I had. Before taking any and every decision, I started setting an intention. It did make my life peaceful.

The outcome of those decisions did not matter much then, as no harm was done to my inner harmony. The answers came from my authentic self, the interior of myself, rather than the past grudges I carried.

"Goal setting" is not a new term for us. Since childhood, we have been asked to set goals. We are told that is how dreams are accomplished, targets are met, and all our desires are fulfilled.

Setting SMART goals helps us create a timeline for ourselves and helps us use our creativity and visualization to motivate ourselves. Ultimately, it helps us take the necessary step-by-step action.

Intent setting is a step deeper than that; it is an activity wherein we use our mind and our judgment to be futuristic. Intent setting goes beyond goal setting; it involves aligning actions with the deeper intentions of the soul and guiding decisions from a place of inner purpose and meaning rather than purely rational objectives.

How can setting an intent be helpful?

It helps to be present.

• defines the purpose, value, and energy you bring to your actions.
• outcomes that bring inner satisfaction and peace.
• Alignment with oneself reduces inner conflict, hence creating better relationships.

Helpful steps to "intent setting":

• Reflect: understand your emotions; what truly matters to you as an individual
• Journal: write them down; create a mind map of what you relate to.
• Create a connection: once clear on intent, create a connection between your intent and your daily activities.
• Consciously carry the intent throughout your day.
• Stay accountable: share your intentions with someone you trust, or consider working with a coach (like me) for added support and accountability.

Ready to unlock your potential and create the life and relationships you desire?

Your journey starts with intent-setting. Share in the comments below one intention you'd give yourself today.

Let's inspire each other on this path to growth.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to book a one-on-one session with me.

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