Each year, thousands upon thousands of people make New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them by February. This isn’t to say that setting goals are a bad thing, but setting goals requires dedication in order to accomplish them. Instead of setting goals, one of the easiest and most realistic ways to accomplish what you set out to do is with intentions. The intention is extremely important in everything you do in life. Being focused and have clarity in your activities is what pushes you forward and allows you to close in on your goals. So, what exactly is the difference between setting goals and intentions?
Difference Between Goals & Intentions
Goals and intentions are fairly similar in that with both you plan to achieve the desired result; however, there is a difference between the two.
- Goals are measurable and specific, they are generally an idea of what you think should do versus what you want to do. When setting goals, you will typically list the tasks required for the actions necessary to accomplish them. For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds in three months, the first thing you would do is find a diet to follow, and then you may decide to exercise three days a week and finally, you may choose to take a diet supplement that is designed to give you the best results. Basically, goals are based on what you know, have researched or what friends and family may have recommended. These may be the best ways to “start” your weight loss journey, but are they really the best ways for you as an individual to lose weight?
- Intentions may be similar to goals, but the fulfillment process is different and intentions often require you to have deeper thoughts and on a more personal level. An intention is an anticipated outcome that guides your planned actions. Making intentions is a different way to focus and a process of achievement that requires commitment, discipline and the feeling of completing something. When goals aren’t met, it is normal to have negative emotions, but after you set your intention, the actions from your heart, rather than planned out actions. Make no mistake, there is still work required and steps you will need to take, but you are turning your intuitions into achievable intentions. Setting and living intentions will allow you to focus on you and who you are, to recognize your values and increase your emotional energy, which ultimately increases your physical energy. Daily intentions provide a reminder (a roadmap) for how to live each day; they give the motivation and the inspiration necessary to achieve your purpose. In other words, intentions are about who you are, what you want to be and how you choose to touch the lives of yourself and others.
Setting Powerful Intentions
Although you can set your intention to be more productive, you will find it more powerful to state an intention that will open your heart and mind to the thinking necessary for resulting in greater productivity. To start setting powerful intentions:
- Visualize what it is that you want to create, have, accomplish or be. Stay concise, clear and unwavering and do not base your intentions on what you think is possible based on a past experience.
- Consider whether or not this is something that you think you “should: do, or if it is something you believe in your heart that you want to do. Remember, “should” do not and will not bring happiness and joy to life and they don’t encourage you to move forward.
- Even if they don’t make sense at the time, follow your internal impulses. Keep in mind that intuition generally speaks in lower voices that your rational mind may not understand.
Setting intentions is a great way to involve your family in decisions and to encourage them to take responsibility for what they want to do as individuals as well as what they want to create in life as a family. The best thing about setting intentions is there are no rules, but there are reminders, guidelines and definitely benefits.
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