Setting the Intention for the Day
The Power of Intentions and Proactive Thought
Setting an intention for the day means that an individual is attempting to proactively think of the day s/he wishes to have. This is beneficial both from a personal and professional perspective because hopes and expectations are articulated. This can be done mentally or even better still in a journal. In this case, the individual will have psychologically set the scene for the day meaning thus proactively navigating through the day both consciously and subconsciously.
Many people hit the road running from the moment they wake up as a result of host of reasons including running late, due to having multiple demands on their time or perhaps the individual fails to give real thought to the day ahead of them. Such a day will mean that an individual will experience a “fire fighting” mentality and react to event as opposed to increasing the probability of proactively engaging in the day.
For example, an individual is rarely likely to leave his/her house without a destination in mind because it would not be conducive, and ambling along may not be an effective way to utilize time or resources. Yet, many people go through days, weeks, months and even years not taking the initiative to proactively articulate how s/he wishes his/her day to be.
People who set intentions for the day tend to be the ones who are active in crafting the life they wish to lead, also known as “life architects.” These people will appreciate the opportunity to carve out their personal and professional dreams and goals rather than leaving it to others or to luck.
Benefits of Setting an Intention for the Day
It is imperative to appreciate that setting the intention for the day will not miraculously make everything better, but what it will do is to aid in achieving a number of benefits. There are innumerable benefits for setting an intention for the day. Psychologically setting the scene for the day:
- Increases motivation;
- Enables a proactive approach to tasks and schedules;
- Increases optimism;
- Provides opportunities to create new goals and dreams personally and professionally;
- Increases the level of hope;
- Increases empowerment;
- Increases commitment levels;
- Increase in self-esteem;
- Increase in confidence;
- Increases accountability for projects, goals and objectives;
- Set realistic daily goals, and;
- Maximize utilization of time.
No one can anticipate the events which are likely to unfold during the course of the day, but setting an intention provides a psychological boost because of the empowering effects that setting an intention can have on an individual.
What to Do When the Day Becomes Challenging Even after setting the Intention?
Setting an intention for the day does not guarantee instantaneous success or a smooth journey, but it will assist in helping the individual psychologically deal with the challenges which may lie ahead.
There are times when the best of intentions can lay wayside because of time challenges, schedules and personal and professional commitments. In this instance it is in the individual’s best interests to pause for a moment by taking some time out to assess the situation.
The following questions may serve as a useful guidance:
- What intention(s) were set at the beginning of the day?
- What obstacles have prevented the actualisation of planned goals and objectives?
- What can be done to remedy the situation?
- Who else can assist in the process?
Asking empowering questions can lead to clarity and solutions, but it does require the individual to undertake this short but effective evaluation. This process also enables the individual to feel more proactive in coming up with effective solutions as opposed to waiting for the answer to come along. By taking a few moments to pause for thought will also assist the individual in taking stock of all the options which may be available to him/her.
The size of the challenge will determine an effective course of action. Acknowledging the challenges in the first instance can assist a person in making huge strides toward positive progress. However, as with many things, success and new habits do not happen overnight. Change takes time, patience and commitment. When the individual feels s/he is faltering or unable to maintain momentum, s/he can look back at the above questions to rekindle motivation.
By remaining reactive, an individual risks the danger of relinquishing accountability and responsibility for his/her own goals and dreams. Subsequently, this can negatively impact long term goal actualization because the onus has shifted from the individual to another person. Sometimes an individual may even feel this it lifts the pressure associated with advice offered by friends, family or acquaintances, but in reality, the onus needs to be on the individual to take greater accountability and responsibility, which is what can be achieved by setting an intention for the day.
Readers may also enjoy reading an abundance mindset and aiming high to set bigger and better goals and journaling.
References:
- Dyer, Wayne. The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way. Hay House. 2004.
Personal Growth Through Intention Setting
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles