I know exactly what you’re thinking: Intention setting is overrated. (I know because I’ve been there.) Honestly, I thought that way for a long time, brushing it all off as being too woo-woo and dismissing it with a wave of my hand that meant, “This is just the new trend that everyone’s jumping on right now.” Obviously, I’m a huge part of the spiritual and wellness movement, but let’s get real—if I have to hear about the Law of Attraction and manifestation one more time, it may just push me over the edge, you guys. But before I jump the proverbial gun, I’ve discovered the missing ingredient in the whole intention setting world:
People want quick fixes.
And intention setting isn’t quick. It’s not an effortless and easy formula that’ll magically make us millionaires or get get us a promotion with the snap of our fingers. Instead, setting intentions is all about showing up, and doing the work. (I’m sorry to the bearer of this horrible newsflash.) This idea of immediate—and easy—results, is why so many people dismiss it all as hokey nonsense, looking at you wide-eyed like you’ve lost every last one of your marbles whenever you bring it up.
That said, hard work does pay off. I repeat: Hard work does pay off. While luck is great (obviously), I frankly don’t believe in it.
Ready to give intention setting a try for the new year, and invest the effort? Here’s how.
- Create a ritual around your intention setting. It makes it more meaningful, elevates the vibration, and grounds you. (I like to light candles and gather some girlfriends over.)
- Make it powerful. You should be able to resonate strongly with your intention, so pick the one that you think may be out of your reach and go for it—no holds barred.
- Write it all down. (When in doubt, always write it down.)
- Post it. Plaster your written reminders everywhere. In your home, in your car, in your office, in your purse. The more reminders, the better.
- Visualize reaching your goal. In your visualization, you’ll be able to feel the way it will to accomplish what you’re after. Ask yourself: What colour is your feeling? Where are you? What sounds are in the background? What is the weather like, and how does it feel against your skin? What is the smell surrounding this intention? Can you taste anything? And what is the feeling like? Sweet, tangy, sparkly?
- Memorize it. Say it outloud to yourself when you wake up first thing in the morning. Say it while you’re showering or driving. Say it at the beginning or the end of your meditation practice as your mantra.
- Screen save it. I love my screensaver. My intention is speaking right back at me everytime I sit down for a task. It brings a smile to my face, and it really can’t get any better than that.
Some examples of intentions that I’ve used in my life are:
- I want to take weekends off from work so that I can feel more present and engaged with my boys.
- I intend to start and end each day with gratitude.
- I want to set aside 1-2 hours each morning for rituals (reading, learning, meditating and journaling) so that I can set a grounding and positive tone for the rest of the day.
- I intend to create a group program for my coaching business by the end of May 2016 so that I can build a sacred and safe space for sharing and in turn, elevate my life and yours through connection. (This is my powerful one!)
For more on exploring your core desired feelings, I highly recommend Danielle LaPorte’s book, The Desire Map. Tip: It makes a spectacular gift, especially around this time of the year when anyone and everyone is looking to set new year’s resolutions. Want something totally free? One of my favourite resources is Susannah Conway’s Unravelling the Year Ahead 2016 workbook. I’ve been using her workbooks for a couple of years now and can I just say that it’s divine.
