The Power of Setting Positive Intentions

Covid-19 has brought with it a lot of different emotions and many people have struggled to remain positive and hopeful…

How can one cultivate positivity and ongoing hope amidst a global pandemic when these feelings originate with one’s mind and thoughts? And when one’s mind and thoughts may be clouded with fear?

A new study has shown that imagination squashes fear. We all feel a certain element of fear in this ongoing time of uncertainty.

The reality is that life throws us curve balls and will continue to do so. Believing and knowing that as one moves ahead, things will not be how one imagined, but it is what one does with the imagination to grow and learn from one’s experiences.

When one is working towards positive self-development, the practice of positive intention setting can help tremendously.

Positive intention setting is to become “on purpose.” By setting positive intentions, one starts to become more aware of positive thoughts and behaviour patterns each day. Getting intentional is an important part of change.

So, what is an intention?

A lot of people have confusion about what an intention is.
An intention is different than a goal. A goal has a specific outcome. “I want to be promoted this year” is an example of a goal. Intentions are more about awareness than they are achievement. “I want to be more present at work” is an example of an intention.

Positive intentions are especially important in creating constructive habits.

A few guidelines for positive intention setting include:

1. Taking time to set intentions every single morning
   When getting out of bed in the morning and before looking at one’s phone or getting involved in the morning grind, spend 5 minutes in a comfortable space. Tell family about this new ritual and ask for respect at this time.
2. Getting an intention journal
   For those 5 minutes in the morning start thinking about what emotions you want to experience and what behaviours you want to shift?For example, if you’d like to find more calm throughout the day your intention would be “I will find calm in tense situations.” If you’d like to experience more joyful moments your intention will be “I will find joy throughout my day.” Writing helps connect the mind with one’s intentions.
3. Staying aware of one’s intentions
   Think about these written down intentions throughout the day. Put reminders on your phone. Use post-it’s on your computer. Just thinking of one’s intentions, a couple of seconds throughout the day will shift the pathways of the brain. It’s important to give oneself convenient reminders.
4. Celebrating moments where one is being intentional
   In moments where you are present and aware of the intentions you’ve set, reward yourself. Take a moment to honour the fact that your intentions are in your mind and that you’re having newfound awareness.
5. Starting with small intentions and building a foundation
   If you’ve never set intentions before, it will take the mind a period to adjust. It’s best to start with a small intention that you feel fully confident you can see through.

After the first 30 days, you can start with a new intention and continue creating intentions. This will get you into a flow and you’ll start to see your intentions manifest more quickly.

Intention setting can help getting a better understanding of oneself, developing positive, constructive habits, and overall help a person to be a calmer and more grounded person. This practice will instil self-confidence, and self-belief, which will help progress and becoming a better version of oneself.