A few deep breaths to centre myself and tune into what I really want. To envision my future and consider what truly matters to me, in life, in relationships and of course work. It brings clarity and focus, and ensures I start the day undestanding at a deeper level how I need to be, and where I need to focus my energy and attention in order to achieve the outcomes I desire.
Staying true to my intentions is another matter! Like me, for example I’m sure many of you will have had days when you set out with an intention to eat healthily only to find yourself later in the day tucking into a chockie biscuit or reaching for comfort food in response to some random external stressor.
The reality is having an intention is only part of what you need to do to successfully set an intention. Let’s go back to that envisioning part. My top tip is to really imagine how you will be in the future, to picture yourself in your mind’s eye, acting out your intention as if it were already happening. Examine what you are doing, saying, feeling, hearing, and being. Make that image bigger, and brighter, make the sounds louder and clearer, make the feelings more vibrant and visceral, and then, if you can describe your intention – distill the essence of it into one clear statement. Repeat the statement to yourself a few times to see how it lands, Then write it down, and put it or an image of something that represents your intention somewhere where you can easily see it, and refer back to it as you navigate the rest of your day. This re-inforcement is important, the little visual nudge throughout the day that keeps you true to your intention. For example the flowers on my desk is a reminder to me of my intention to see beauty and bring joy into every day. Whatever I am doing….. even accounts 🙂
So, why don’t you give it a go yourself. It’s a simple self-management tool that works for me, and it might for you too. Enjoy!