Are you just scheduling your day in your calendar, or are you intentionally planning your day?

Summary: Segment intending is a powerful technique that involves consciously setting intentions for different segments of your day. It helps you focus your energy and attention on specific goals or outcomes for each segment, allowing you to make the most of your time and create a sense of purpose throughout the day. By taking a few moments to plan and declare your intentions for each segment, you can align your thoughts, emotions, and actions towards achieving your desired outcomes. It's a proactive approach to managing your day and can greatly enhance your productivity and overall well-being.

There is a great quote by the runner Kristin Armstrong that says: "We either live with intention or exist by default."

I have recently started meditating, after at least 10 years of "wanting to start"...! And with that, I happened to "discover" this piece of golden nugget practice I would like to share with all of you if I may B-)

A practical, yet very powerful exercise I have started incorporating to my routine is "Segment intending", it will take you only 5 (to 10 minutes, depending on your day, your intentions, and it will get easier faster with practice as everything else in life :-) ...!). Segment intending is about to consciously setting intentions for different "segments" of your day. It helps you focus your energy and attention on specific goals or outcomes for each segment, allowing you to make the most of your time and create a sense of purpose throughout the day.

A segment refers to a specific period of time within your day. It can be as short as a few minutes or as long as a few hours, depending on how you choose to structure your day. As each segment represents a distinct activity, task, or focus area. For example, you might have segments for your morning routine, work or business-related tasks, exercise, meals, relaxation, family time, personal development, and so on. The idea is to break your day into manageable chunks and set intentions for each.

When setting intentions for each segment, it can be helpful to be specific and detailed. Here are some tips to make your intentions more effective:

1. Be clear about your desired outcome: For example, if you're setting an intention for a work related segment, you might specify that you want to complete a specific task or make progress on a project.
2. Use positive language: Instead of focusing on what you don't want, focus on what you do want.
3. Visualize the desired outcome: Imagine how it feels, what it looks like, achieving the desired outcome. This visualization can help reinforce your intention and create a stronger sense of motivation.

For example: "My 2pm-3pm call with the customer will be very productive and when we will review the testing plan for the UAT he will be very engaged and able to provide with all the real business case scenarios that must be tested within it. And I will be very pleased with this outcome (and imagine being that pleased ;-) feel the feelings!)".

Simple right? Now, this does not mean that things will immediately magically start happening the way you are envisioning them, do not get me wrong... BUT, entertain me, and most importantly entertain yourself with this exercise, and you will start seeing some magic happening!!! At least you will have a much better plan for your day, that I can promise you!!

So, if you do give it a leap of faith please let me know how it is going for you, I read you in the comments :-)))

Until the next one, in the meantime be well!

Katia