The best way to accomplish our goals in life is to set clear intentions from the very start.
Have you been wanting to start practicing gratitude more frequently? Or start a daily exercise routine?
Well then ask yourself, how different would your life be if instead of acting mindlessly, you acted with clear intention?
In my case, my goal was to start waking up everyday at 5am to be more productive, but this wasn’t enough. A goal is something we want to accomplish in the future, an intention is set for the present moment.
It wasn’t until I started setting daily intentions that I was able to notice a huge difference in my life and productivity levels.
Setting daily intentions is a powerful way to keep yourself connected to your goals. Think of them as the tools that help you focus on who you are, and how you want to live your life.
What Are Daily Intentions?
When we intend to do something we act with purpose. You might go about your day thinking of all the improvements you want to make for yourself, but they’re just thoughts living in your head until you give them life.
An intention is the first step to achieving a larger goal. Because there’s purpose behind it, action inevitably follows. You’re no longer just thinking about what you want from life, you’ve now moved on to doing.
It’s sort of a commitment to yourself; a daily reminder that keeps you moving forward and helps you reach your goal.
Although goals can sometimes feel unattainable or far away, daily intentions keep you present. For that day, or in that moment, you are what you want to be.
Why Set Daily Intentions?
We all have areas in our lives we’d like to improve. Whether it be trying to express gratitude more often, living a healthier lifestyle or learning a new skill, setting a daily intention can be the moving piece to getting you there.
For example, if becoming more organized is important to you, your daily intention could be, “Today I will focus on decluttering one corner of my bedroom”.
Daily intentions are the stepping stones for the bigger things you want to accomplish in life.
Some Of The Benefits Of Setting Daily Intentions Include:
More Control
There’s a feeling of empowerment that comes with setting daily intentions. Instead of going through life aimlessly, you’ll find you’re more in control of where you’re heading.
The path to where you want to go seems much clearer and you’re in the driver’s seat, so get ready to reach those goals!
Provides Accountability
When I started setting my daily intentions, the first thing I noticed was how I held myself accountable for each one.
The fact that an intention is set for today and not for three months from now, gives you a sense of urgency; a little push to really fulfill that intention.
Improved Mental Health
Small accomplishments can lead to feelings of success and make us feel proud of ourselves, which can in turn, improve our mental health.
Our brains get a dopamine boost and the result is a more purpose driven life.
Promotes Positivity
When we set daily intentions, we generally want to better our lives, making them positive actions.
For instance, we may want a better position at work, better productivity, better communication skills, etc.
Just imagine the levels of positivity we can achieve if we set intentions for ourselves every day.
Better Awareness
One of the greatest benefits of setting daily intentions is increased awareness. Being more mindful throughout the day keeps you focused on accomplishing each intention you set out for your day.
How To Set Daily Intentions
You may be thinking setting daily intentions sounds easier than it is, but just having the right approach can assure its effectiveness.
In order to set the most powerful daily intentions, you must:
1. Be Clear On What You Want To Achieve
What exactly is it that you want to accomplish? Being clear and to the point on what you want will strengthen your ability to follow through.
Though your intentions might change every day, knowing what they are will help keep you on the right track.
2. See Them As Small Goals For Your Day (Or Week)
Thinking of these intentions as little goals makes them that much more attainable.
Having large goals can seem overwhelming, that’s where daily intentions come in. Instead of trying to drink ten glasses of water, set the intention to drink three today. Next week, that can change to four and so on.
I started with three, and four weeks later, I’m now consistently drinking ten glasses a day.
Write Them Down
Use a journal or a simple notebook to write down your list of intentions. Keep it nearby as a reminder to do your best each day.
Be Consistent
Like with most things, consistency is key. Try to set an intention everyday no matter how small it may be. Forming this habit will benefit you in all areas of your life.
These steps will serve as a strong foundation when setting your new daily intentions.
How To Fulfill Your Daily Intentions
In order to fulfill daily intentions you must understand why you want to set them in the first place. Ask yourself:
- What are you going to get out of it?
- What bigger goals are these intentions connected to?
- What kind of life do you want to live and how can daily intentions help you achieve it?
Try to visualize the kind of life you want and use this as motivation to push through each day. Having a bigger picture in mind will help you stick to your daily intentions.
For example, I wanted to add meditation and morning workouts to my days but found that sticking to these was harder than I had imagined.
Setting daily intentions helped me start slowly and build these habits that have now become second nature to me.
I started meditating for only three min each morning and doing only yoga stretches instead of a full workout.
I’ve since managed to change so many things in my life using this practice. From creating healthy habits that are now part of my everyday routine to getting closer to achieving my career goals.
If I was able to do this, I’m positive that you too will benefit from the power of setting daily intentions!
Here Are Some Examples Of Daily Intentions
Today I will:
- Perform a random act of kindness
- Accept myself as I am
- Choose healthier food options and drink more water
- Make more time for myself
- Try something new
- Take time to work on something I’m passionate about
- Think before reacting
- Be grateful for what I have
- Exercise my body
- Start reading a new book
- Give my best to everything I do
Try Setting An Intention Today
I hope you’ve been inspired to start experiencing the benefits of setting daily intentions for yourself. Try setting one today and remember that starting small can lead to big wins!
