Unleashing Success: The Art of Setting Intentions and Manifesting Dreams

"There can be no growth if we do not remain open and vulnerable to what is new and different. I have never seen anyone take a risk for growth that was not rewarded a thousand times over" John O'Donohue

Success is often seen as the culmination of achievements, but its roots delve deep into our core values.

Establishing a foundation built on these values propels us forward on the path to success.

In the journey of setting intentions and manifesting aspirations, it's crucial to start with a clear understanding of what truly matters to us.

1. Core Values as Foundation

Identifying and aligning with our core values provides a compass for navigating life's choices. Success, when grounded in these principles, becomes a meaningful and fulfilling pursuit. Values help shape your thoughts, feelings and actions.

Your values and intentions will evolve over time and will depend on your circumstances. When I was at school and living in the Pacific Islands, I knew that education was key to my future of work and place of residence. Later in my career, my values are often about giving back.

Exercise - Have a think about what matters to you at this time of your life. Why? and how does it affect your thoughts and emotions? How does it motivate you to act?

?2. SMART Goals

Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals transforms abstract dreams into tangible milestones. These goals act as roadmaps, guiding us with precision towards our envisioned success.

Goal based on solid values are more likely to succeed and provide a loop effect of satisfaction and confidence to stretch yourself with the next set of goals.

Do change or adjust your goals if they do not align with where you are at the moment. Things change and so do your goals. In a fast changing world, flexing your goals (higher or lower) is a necessity.

Incremental Change and Small Wins

• Strategy: Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks to create a sense of progress and accomplishment.
• Implementation: Just start! Set short-term goals and celebrate these 'small wins' to maintain motivation and momentum. This will also enhance self confidence.

Set out action points and timelines to achieve milestones in your goals.

Exercise - In your notebook or a piece of paper, handwrite your goals and intentions. Perhaps adapt and use the list below. List your why or purpose. Use emotive words - they motivate you. You don't need to have all the headings. Three to five major goals will be manageable. You can flesh out the outline by adding action points and dates.

Handwriting your goals has a neurochemical effect in your brain, effectively increasing the likelihood of success.

I remember one year end where I sat with my notebook and set out my intentions and goals along the following lines:

• Personal health and well-being including exercise
• Family & friends
• Personal growth
• Romance and partnering
• Work
• Continual education
• Charity work
• Hobbies & Travel

3. Overcoming Hurdles

The path to success is fraught with hurdles, both external and internal.

Probably the biggest hurdle is your self. Humans are creatures of habit, and yet our dualistic nature also provides us with the ability to dream of better futures.

Overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome, fear, and hubris requires a conscious effort to cultivate resilience and motivation.

Acknowledging these challenges is the first step towards surmounting them.

Putting names to your emotions has the effect of giving you a sense of mastery over your situation.

Exercise - For each of your major intentions and goals:

• What stops you?
• What would you advise your friend or colleague to do?
• Why can't you do the same and take your advice?
• Ask you friend, partner or mentor for advice?
• Start doing it !!!

?4. Avoiding Binary Thinking

Success is rarely black or white; it's a nuanced spectrum. To get from A to B may require a series of steps and sometimes detours.

Embracing complexity and avoiding binary thinking opens doors to creative solutions and allows for a more holistic understanding of the journey.

Exercise - Think about your intentions. Consider plan B, C, D, etc. Examples include:

• Dropping a difficult client or customer. There will be others readily available.
• Developing one or more side gigs.
• Developing new skills diverging from your current areas of expertise. And harnessing your accumulated knowledge and skill sets.
• Engaging help if you feel under resourced or overwhelmed. ?

5. Holistic Approach and Expanded Consciousness

Success goes beyond career or business achievements; it encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

A holistic approach involves nurturing all aspects of ourselves, expanding our consciousness, and fostering a harmonious balance.

Remember this - you are not your business or your career. You are a human blessed with unique personality, psyche and accumulated wisdom and skills. Your mission in life is how to make the most of all this for the benefit of people around you and yourself - family, friends, colleagues, customers and community.

Exercise - Think and handwrite in your notebook - why do you do what you choose to do? What thoughts and emotions does this bring to mind?

6. Strategies for Change in a Complex World

In a world marked by uncertainty and volatility, adaptability is your superpower.

Strategies for success must be agile and flexible, capable of navigating the ever-changing landscape.

Change is a given when it comes to setting intentions. Embrace change as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a threat or something to fear.

Exercise - List your fears in relation to your intentions. Name them. Challenge them. Get professional help if you are seriously stuck and feel overwhelmed. Family and friends give moral and energetic support. Get a mentor who keeps you accountable.

7. Resilience and Growth Mindset

Resilience and a growth mindset are indispensable companions on the journey to success.

Embrace mistakes and missteps as opportunities for learning and toughening up, recognising that setbacks are stepping stones towards personal and professional growth.

Reflective Practice and Self-Assessment

• Strategy: Regularly reflect on personal and professional experiences to gain insights into your strengths and areas for growth. Discuss with close colleagues; you will gain invaluable insights of wisdom.
• Implementation: Keep a journal or diary to record and analyse your daily experiences, decisions, and their outcomes.

Openness to Feedback and Constructive Criticism

• Strategy: Develop a receptiveness to feedback, viewing it as a valuable resource for improvement. We all have blindspots.
• Implementation: Actively seek feedback from peers, mentors, and supervisors, and address the areas for improvement which they highlight.

Learning from Failures and Setbacks

• Strategy: Reframe failures as learning experiences rather than defeats.
• Implementation: After a setback, analyse what went wrong, what you learned, and how you can improve in the future.

Flexibility and Adaptability

• Strategy: Remain flexible in your plans and be willing to adjust your approach in response to changing circumstances.
• Implementation: Regularly review and revise your goals and strategies to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Life is about the richness of ebbs and flows.

Visualisation and Positive Affirmations

• Strategy: Use visualisation and positive affirmations to maintain focus and motivation towards your goals.
• Implementation: Regularly visualise achieving your goals and use positive affirmations to reinforce your ability to overcome challenges. This is common practice utilised by peak athletes. Practise often and rewire your brain.

Exercise - Actively seek out new experiences and learning opportunities, even if they fall outside your comfort zone. Join a network of diverse people and have coffee chats widely, read up on new subjects, travel off the beaten track, and much more.

Conclusion?

In the pursuit of success, setting intentions and manifesting dreams requires a delicate interplay of determination, adaptability, and self-awareness.

By building on core values, setting SMART goals, and embracing a holistic approach, individuals can navigate the complexities of the modern world while developing and maintaining resilience and a growth mindset.

Remember, success is not a destination; it's a continuous, evolving journey.

All the best in 2024!

Frank Choy

31 December 2023