Intentions
"Be intentional. Your daily choices become amplified realities"
Hi Friend!
My intention for the 2024 year was to laugh more and boy did I accomplish that. I wonder what my 2025 intention will be. And remember, you can set as many intentions as you want.
Setting intentions is more than just a self-help trend—it's a transformative practice that influences how we navigate our daily lives. It's about cultivating a mindset that guides our actions, emotions, and thoughts toward a desired way of being. Unlike goals—which are often specific and target-driven—intentions are rooted in our deepest desires and values, shaping the quality of our experiences rather than just the outcomes.
Through intention setting, we can identify what truly matters to us and make that the center of our daily actions and decisions.
What does intention setting mean?
Intention setting is a conscious and deliberate act where you identify and articulate what’s genuinely important to you. Intentions are about your inner journey and how you want to experience life. For instance, setting an intention to be more present in your daily interactions isn't about achieving a specific outcome but rather about cultivating a mindset and mindfulness and deeper engagement.
An intention setting process is also about recognizing and affirming your personal power and agency. It encourages you to ask yourself questions like, "How do I want to live,” “What qualities do I want to embody,” and, “How do I want to relate to others and the world around me?" By answering these questions, you establish intentions that help you respond to the complexities of daily life while staying true to your authentic self.
As you evolve, so do your intentions. They can be revised and refined to reflect your own life story, adapting to your current state of being and aspirations. This flexibility is what makes intention setting such a powerful tool for personal development and self-awareness.
Here is an example of intentions that I have currently set for myself and am working on on a daily basis:
I intend to be happy happy naturally.
I intend to pause first to avoid acting off my emotions
I intend to not to gossip.
I intend to lead by example.
I intend to be open to success and abundance.
I intend to life of peace and serenity
I intend to forgive others, and myself.
I intend to love unconditionally.
I intend to belly laugh more often.
I intend to make someone smile every day through kindness
If you have another intention in mind that isn't listed above, go for it!
Setting an intention is like drawing a map of where you wish to go—it becomes the driving force behind your goals and visions. Without an intention, there is no map, and you're just driving down a road with no destination in mind. That said, an authentic intention cannot be forced. You can't set an intention that you don't believe in.
The benefits of setting intentions for your wellbeing
Setting intentions aligns your daily actions with your broader life purpose and priorities and priorities.
This practice encourages deep thinking and reflection about your desires, ambitions, and the aspects of your life that require more attention or change.
Regularly setting intentions requires a level of self-reflection that supports personal development.
By focusing on intentions, you shift your mindset from worrying about outcomes to enjoying the journey.
Intention setting naturally leads to a more mindful way of living. When you're clear about your intentions, you're more present in each moment, making decisions and taking actions that are in line with your desired path Setting intentions about how you want to engage in relationships can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling connections.
Setting intentions about how you want to engage in relationships can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling CONNECTIONS.
How to set intentions that are mindful and meaningful
Setting intentions involves a reflective and thoughtful process, with the end goal of a more fulfilling life. When you set intentions, remember that it is an ongoing process and that meaningful intentions will evolve as you do. Stay open to learning and growing!
Be clear about what you want- Start by getting very clear about what you desire in your life. This clarity involves deep introspection to understand what truly matters to you, what brings you joy, and what aligns with your core values. It’s the foundation of setting intentions that are meaningful and resonant.
Focus on the positive- When framing your intentions, it's important to focus on positive language and outcomes. Instead of setting an intention to stop being so stressed, frame it positively like, "I intend to embrace calm and peace in my daily life." This positive framing helps in creating a constructive and hopeful mindset.
Keep it simple- Complexity can dilute the power of your intentions. Instead, aim for simplicity and clarity. A simple, clear intention is easy to remember and focus on and can more effectively guide your thoughts and actions throughout the day.
State your intentions often- Regularly remind yourself of your intentions. You can write them down in a journal, repeat them as affirmations, or create visual reminders like sticky notes or digital wallpapers. The more you revisit your intentions, the more ingrained they become in your consciousness.
Align actions with intentions- Reflect on how you can align your daily actions with your intentions. This might involve changing certain habits, making different choices, or creating new routines that support your intentions.
Practice patience and persistence- Change doesn't happen overnight. Be patient with yourself as you work toward aligning your life with your intentions. Persistence is key, so even if you face setbacks, keep revisiting and reaffirming your intentions.
Reflect and adjust as needed- Take time to reflect on your intentions and your progress. Are they still relevant? Have your priorities changed? It’s perfectly okay to adjust your intentions as you grow and as your circumstances change. This flexibility keeps your intentions relevant and meaningful to your life.
Incorporate mindfulness and meditation- Engage in mindfulness practices to enhance your connection with your intentions. Mindfulness helps you stay grounded in the present moment, making it easier to live out your intentions in your daily life.
Seek support and community-Sometimes, sharing your intentions with trusted friends or family members can provide additional support and accountability. You might even find communities or groups with similar intentions, which can be incredibly motivating and enriching.
12 examples of mindful intentions that you could set
Setting mindful intentions is a deeply personal process, as the most powerful intentions are those that truly speak to your individual journey and aspirations. Use these examples as inspiration and reflect on what kind of intentions resonate with your personal goals and lifestyle.
I express my thoughts and feelings with honesty. This intention is about embracing self-expression. Try to honor your truth and communicate it respectfully and authentically.
I make a conscious effort to recognize and meet my physical, emotional, and mental needs. Be aware of how you listen to yourself. Think about what self-care practices you can make a part of your daily routine and how you can set healthy boundaries.
I prioritize building and maintaining meaningful relationships. Prioritize spending quality time with loved ones. Consider how you can cultivate empathy and understanding in your interactions.
I place trust in my intuition and my emotions. This intention guides you to make decisions that feel right to you, acknowledging the wisdom that your feelings can offer.
I choose to move joyfully through the world. Engage in physical activities that bring happiness and vitality to your body. Whether it's dancing, yoga, or a simple walk, the intention is to celebrate movement.
I accept my full range of emotions without judgment. This intention is about allowing yourself to exist authentically in each experience. It encourages emotional honesty and resilience.
I embrace uplifting opportunities. Be open to new experiences, people, and ideas that bring positivity and growth into your life. It’s about saying yes to opportunities that align with your values and aspirations.
I actively seek and create moments that bring joy into my life. This can mean engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, or simply enjoying quiet moments of GRADITUDE.
I acknowledge and appreciate the good in my life, both big and small. This intention creates a positive mindset and helps in recognizing the abundance in your life.
I seek personal growth through all my experiences. Set an intention to continuously learn and grow. Embrace challenges as opportunities for development and remain open to learning from various experiences and people.
I am fully present in each moment. By practicing mindfulness and meditation, you can transform mundane activities into meaningful experiences and enhance your overall quality of life.
I explore explore my creative side without judgment. Whether it’s through art, writing, cooking, or any other form of creative expression, let this intention guide you to explore and express your inner world.
You are capable of creating a life full of intention - it’s simply about bringing a sense of purpose and clarity to your day-to-day life, and recognizing that all of the small moments in your life create your life as a whole.
Don’t overlook the small moments. Have GRADITUDE. Create space for what’s important to you. Love yourself and give yourself grace throughout.
what intention are you willing to work on now?
XO Jenna
