Written by: Safrianna Lughna, 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.
How often do you think to yourself, “I’ll get around to doing that thing later!” only for days, weeks, or even years to pass? I’m pretty sure when it comes to goals, we’ve all kicked the can down the road a time or two.
When I was six, I “published” my first book in my elementary school's publishing fair. Our teachers spiral-bound our drawings and typed up stories. The thrill of holding my own book in my hand never left me. I knew in that moment my greatest dream was to be a published author. Yet, as I got older, my focus slipped away. I got an English degree but went on to teach, dedicating only a bit of my energy to writing. Instead of focusing on my passions, I shifted to surviving.
Is it ever enough to simply survive?
Usually, we blame a lack of motivation for our stagnation. The reality is, if we wait to feel motivated before doing a task, chances are we are going to be waiting a very long time. Author Steve Kamb once wrote something that really stuck with me; he said motivation is like a friend that bails out of your plans at the last possible second! It’s true. Motivation comes and goes, but our ability to set an intention for ourselves and follow through with it is always there. We just need to allow ourselves the space and time.
Setting our intention towards a specific goal and seeing ourselves achieve it is magic! I mean it! How good does it feel to sit down, set up a goal, make a plan, and then follow through with it?
Of course, the follow-through is where things can fall apart, and while I wish there was a way to guarantee that setting a goal and intention is enough, it still requires the momentum of self-determined will. Intentions remove our dependency on external forces like the sudden arrival of motivation, a friend always pushing us, a coach, or therapist. Even the best therapist cannot force a client to get results. The client must find the internal willpower to push themselves the rest of the way toward action after education, structure, and encouragement are provided.
What is Intention?
Intention by definition is our aim or plan ‒ something we intend. But, a second definition describes intention in medicine as the healing process of a wound.
What would happen if we viewed our intentions as helping us heal from old wounds?
Being intentional can transform us from one moment to the next, realign us with our desires, and ignite our willpower to achieve what we really want for ourselves. If we are intentional, we can center on what is in our control and figure out how to get there, healing past inaction. The act of being intentional is rooted in mindfulness, self-awareness, and vision.
Setting intentions and following through is perhaps the singular most important thing you can do to rise above past self-made limitations. Setting specific intentions allows you to be purposeful in your goals and make room for an appropriate plan to surface.
We can have both broad and specific intentions. Our intention can be for our life in general, the day, the week, or even the year.
Here are some example intentions:
I will feel better and live a life of wellness by taking tangible steps for myself over the course of the month.
I will do at least one kind thing for myself today to move towards feeling calm.
I will write down a quarterly plan for my business in my planner.
How to Set Obtainable Intentions
1. In Your Control
A solid, obtainable intention should be something that is in your control. This intention should have nothing to do with changing someone else’s thoughts, feelings, or actions: only your own.
An example of an unobtainable or unethical intention would be trying to change someone else’s mind on a topic. A more reasonable intention would be to share your thoughts and opinions with people who are willing to listen. That subtle shift in focus from attempting to change someone’s mind to being more intentional in our own actions is important. We have the power to share our passions with people who are curious. That is in our control. However, changing someone's mind is completely out of our control no matter how much we might share with them.
2. Measurable
The intention should be something that you can measure. An intention to “feel better” is likely to quickly fail as there is nothing specific behind it. Conversely, “It’s my intention to feel better by engaging in self-care at least three times a week,” is completely measurable and obtainable. It also lends itself well to making a more detailed plan.
3. What, When, Where
In addition to what our intention is, we also want to address where and for how long we plan to focus on our intentions. Using a planner or other tool to write down specifics such as “Create business plan, 2 hrs in home office” on a given day eliminates uncertainty around logistics and reduces the anxiety we might otherwise face in the moment of follow through.
A Ritual of Intention
Ready to set an intention?
Find a quiet space. I often enjoy going outside for this just to get away from all the technology. But, you can sit down anywhere you'll find peace. Then, follow along with these steps!
From your seat, take a few deep breaths to center.
Call to mind the issue you want to set an intention around and notice what happens in your body ‒ note any tension, heaviness, or tingling.
Internally ask what is needed around this issue to ease discomfort or align with your values.
Based on what arises, create an intention statement: “It’s my intention to…” “I will…” “I will focus on…”
Check yourself. Is this intention obtainable? Does it only attempt to control aspects of your own behaviors? Is it something you can take steps toward immediately? If the answers are all yes, you’re ready to move on. If not, reassess what is within your control.
Reaffirm your intention a few times to yourself. Listen to inner promptings that call you to action. Are there specific actions you can do right away to help yourself bring this intention to the forefront of your life and experience?
Get up and go do one of those things immediately. If you don’t have something you can do immediately, rethink your plan. You need a step you can take to begin feeling the satisfaction that following your intentions can bring. If you set an intention and nothing happens, you’re not really being intentional. You’re throwing thoughts at the universe, but not being genuine.
Be intentional. Be genuine. Feel the magic. Be the person who sees yourself all the way through!
Safrianna Lughna, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Guided by radical acceptance, Safrianna (LCPC, MS) cheers on the "weird" and "woo" of the world. A multi-passionate student of life, Safrianna uses her skills as a therapist, educator, and spiritual teacher to provide individuals and businesses what they need to step into health and awareness on a multidimensional level.
Safrianna led the creation of Living LUNA, a podcast, community, and movement centered on authenticity and self-empowerment. The Living LUNA community is a space where often-Othered people of the world are invited to co-create an uplifting, upleveling atmosphere.
Safrianna leads a life off the well-worn societal path. When taking time for self-care, she enjoys writing poetry and science fiction, playing thought-provoking video games, and spending time with her family of cats and partners.
