Written by: Grace Jones, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Do you crave calm amidst life’s chaos? Discover the not-so-secret weapon that brings control and transforms your experience: the power of intention setting!
I say not-so-secret because most people have heard of intentions, but think they are confined to yoga studios and meditation retreats.
Not true! And before you dismiss it as some woo-woo concept let me assure you that intention setting is far more practical and impactful than you might think.
Maintaining a sense of control is vital for your psychological well-being, as feeling out of control can lead to overwhelm, anxiety, and helplessness. By setting intentions for areas of your life where you do have control, such as self-care, relationships, and personal growth, you can foster a sense of well-being and resilience.
In fact, it can be a game-changer when it comes to managing stress and anxiety in your everyday life.
So, grab a cup of tea, maybe put your feet up, and let's dive into the wonderful world of intention setting and how it can make a real difference in your quest for peace and balance.
What is an intention?
An intention is an idea or a concept. Sometimes we confuse intentions with goals which are very different as they are, by nature, finite, and have an associated target or task to be achieved.
On the other hand, an intention is aligned to the direction you plan to take, how you want to engage with others, how you want to show up.
Goals are future oriented, but an intention is rooted in the present moment, inviting positive transformation.
What does it mean to set an intention?
More than just wishful thinking, intention setting is a deliberate and purposeful approach to defining your desires and aligning your actions accordingly.
By setting clear intentions about what you want to achieve and the steps you'll take to get there, you gain a sense of focus, direction, and empowerment. It serves as a guiding compass, helping you navigate through challenges towards your desired outcomes.
How does it reduces stress?
Anxiety and stress are linked to the past (regrets) and the future (fear and worry). Focussing in the present helps reduce your mental clutter and can add to your sense of purpose. Just like setting an intention before a meditation can give you an anchor, something to come back to when you find your mind wandering, setting an intention at the start of the day can do the same thing.
When you find yourself getting overwhelmed, or feel your stress being triggered by events, coming back to your intention acts like a course adjustment when flying a plane. You know the wind may pick up and when strong enough can nudge you off course, so your intention can be your way to adjust to compensate.
By putting your attention on your intentions, you can feel less overwhelmed. Instead of being swept away by external events, you can consciously choose how to respond to life's twists and turns. Connect with your intention throughout the day, to ensure that your choices align with your desired path.
Intention Setting can be Transformative, especially in the context of work and home life as it can have a profound impact on your psychological well-being, productivity, relationships, and overall satisfaction.
It allows you to regain a sense of control when external circumstances seem uncontrollable.
It enables you to shape your reality by focusing on what you can influence. By infusing intentionality into your daily actions, you'll unlock a new level of purpose, fulfilment, and success.
The benefits can be summed up as
Empowerment – you feel in control
Clarity – which comes from having a sense of purpose
Alignment – you’ll be able to stay focused on what truly matters
Where to start
When starting to build the intention habit, start simple.
You can set an intention for the day, or the week, or even just the next few hours!
Think about what is, or is likely to, cause you stress during the period.
Get it down on paper, or vocalise it. Intentions, just like goals, are most powerful when they are shared or declared.
Then consider how you would like to be, how do you want to feel and respond? Take a moment to picture this, and if you can’t get an image, imagine how you would be feeling. What do you want to achieve, how do you want to behave, what will the results be?
Then, when you experience thoughts or events that threaten to blow you off-course, you can bring yourself back on track through connecting with your intention.
Throughout the day, check that your choices are aligned with your intention.
You could start by setting an intention for a typical part of your day that you find stressful.
Be specific, picture it, feel it deeply
The great thing about intentions is that, unlike goals, there is no success or failure, because they are rooted in the present moment.
When is the best time to set your intention?
For maximum benefit I believe in doing this early in the morning. First and foremost, it sets a positive tone for the entire day ahead. By taking a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve and how you want to feel, you're essentially programming your mind for success and fulfilment.
How can you align them with your daily activities and scheduling?
It's all about being intentional with your choices and actions throughout the day. Start by identifying your top priorities and values. What matters most to you? Is it your health, career, relationships, or personal growth?
Once you have a clear understanding of your core values, you can set intentions that align with them.
For example, if your health is a priority, you can set an intention to make nourishing food choices or to prioritize exercise. If your relationships matter most, you can set an intention to be fully present and engaged when interacting with others. The key is to incorporate your intentions into your daily routine and decision-making processes.
To ensure alignment between your intentions and your activities, you might want to create a schedule or a to-do list. By intentionally blocking out time for the activities that support your intentions, you create a structure that reinforces your commitment. This way, you're not only setting intentions but also taking practical steps to bring them to life.
Remember, intention setting is not about adding more tasks to your already busy schedule. It's about approaching your day with a mindful and purposeful mindset. By aligning your intentions with your daily activities, you can experience a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as you navigate through life's ups and downs.
It is a catalyst for personal growth and success. By setting clear intentions, you tap into your innate potential and create a roadmap for achieving your goals. It provides a framework for deliberate action, helping you make conscious choices that align with your aspirations, and empowers you to step into your true potential, overcome obstacles, and live a life filled with purpose. Use them to guide you towards a life you've always envisioned, where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
So, as you finish your cup of tea, take a few moments to set your intention for the rest of the day. Visualize how you want to feel, what you want to achieve, and the mindset you want to cultivate. Then, carry this intention with you.
It’s time to harness the power of intention and transform your life, one intentional step at a time.
Grace Jones, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Grace Jones is a former freelance IT Consultant who is very familiar with the stress of working in demanding environments. Ten years ago she chose to study hypnotherapy to better understand how our thoughts influence our behaviour, habits and results. She went on to create the RISE Resilience system, designed to help people understand and effectively manage the increasing levels of stress, anxiety and burnout that so many are struggling with in this post-COVID world. Today she is an enthusiastic speaker, trainer and breathing coach ‒ "Training your brain to work for you..."
