TGIM: 12-Steps to Intention Setting

Last week I posted a brief view into intention setting and gratitude. As I think more specifically about my efforts around intention setting, I have begun to follow the steps below. Some of the steps are more valuable than others right now. For example, recently, my mind has been reflecting on what I truly want. As I have started to define that, what I want is often more significant than what I can plan for or do. So I have been breaking this down into weekly and monthly activities. Saying I want a job is big. Looking at what type of job, the associated responsibilities, and how to support them with my transferable skills is a more likely weekly approach to getting that job.

I share the 12-step intention setting, not as something you should do, but as something I am trying on as I move forward in the place of transition. Please take what works, and I would also appreciate it if you would share what has been working for you.

1.??????Reflect on what you truly want: Take some time to reflect on what I really want to achieve. Think about what truly matters to me and what I feel excited about. This will help you set intentions that align with your values and give you a sense of purpose (Bergland, 2021).

2.??????Write it down: Writing down my intentions can help clarify my thoughts and give me something concrete to refer to later on. Make sure to be specific and use positive language when writing intentions (Chopra, 2021).

3.??????Use visualization techniques: Visualization techniques can help me bring intentions to life in my mind's eye. Take a few moments each day to visualize myself achieving my goals and experiencing feelings of success (Mukherjee, 2020).

4.??????Use affirmations: Affirmations are positive statements that can help me overcome negative self-talk and limiting beliefs. I repeat my intentions to myself as affirmations to reinforce my commitment to them (Bergland, 2021).

5.??????Be realistic: While it's important to set ambitious goals, it's also important to be realistic about what I can achieve. Set goals that stretch, but are still achievable with effort (Chopra, 2021).

6.??????Break it down: Break down my intentions into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help me stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed (Mukherjee, 2020).

7.??????Create a plan: I am creating a plan for how to achieve my intentions. This can help me stay organized and on track (Bergland, 2021).

8.??????Take action: Taking action is crucial to realizing my intentions. Take small steps each day toward my goals (Chopra, 2021).

9.??????Track your progress: Keep track of progress towards my intentions. This can help me stay motivated and adjust or make new plans if needed (Mukherjee, 2020).

10.??Stay committed: I will focus on staying committed to my intentions even when things get tough. Remember why I set the intentions in the first place and keep pushing forward (Bergland, 2021).

11.??Practice gratitude: Practicing gratitude will help me stay focused on what's important and appreciate the progress I have made towards my intentions. Take time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for (Chopra, 2021).

12.??Be flexible: While it's essential to stay committed to the intentions I have set, it's also important to be flexible and adapt as needed. If something isn't working, be open to adjusting the plan or maybe even reviewing the intentions (Mukherjee, 2020).

References:

Bergland, C. (2021). How to Set Intentions and Achieve Your Goals. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/202103/how-set-intentions-and-achieve-your-goals

Chopra, D. (2021). How to Set Intentions for Your Best Life. Retrieved from https://chopra.com/articles/how-to-set-intentions-for-your-best-life

Mukherjee, S. (2020). 8 Powerful Techniques for Setting Intentions and Achieving Your Goals. Retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/876274/intention-setting