Setting Intentions

Definition of intention
1    a: what one intends to do or bring about
b: the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
2:   a determination to act in a certain way : RESOLVE
3:   intentions plural : purpose with respect to marriage
4:   IMPORT, SIGNIFICANCE
5:   a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
6:   CONCEPT
especially : a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge

This week I am sharing with you about my experience in setting intentions. Before we dive in I want to reflect on the definition of “intention.” I always find definitions interesting when I look them up and read about the synonyms. I think I know what a word means and then when I take a look I am usually incorrect. It makes me laugh. Other times the definition goes deeper than I anticipate in a theme I find interesting. The words used to describe another word always gives the word more context. When I reflect on a definition I like to make a word map in my head. Take a look again at the words within the definition above such as: RESOLVE, DETERMINATION, SIGNIFICANCE, HEALING, and ATTENTION stick out to me the most. Without taking the definition out of context I want you to just see what all these words have in common. If I were to summarize these words together it would sound something like this: to heal something and resolve, to move attention to significance with determination. It’s kind of like a fun game I play to make more sense of the word “intention.” This is how my brain works — creatively!

Last week we talked about the power of choice and how much control we have in radically changing our life through intentional small choices. The small choices in the right direction add up to big changes. So where do we start?

We have to identify the goal or motivation behind the intention or will to change. For example: I want to own my life as a successful entrepreneur and grow as a leader and business owner (goal) so my intentions need to align with this. So let’s list off exactly what this GOAL looks like in detail.

• Groomed/polished

• Organized

• Clear and focused

• Positive and encouraging

• Educated

This is just a small sample list of what this role looks like for me. So let’s identify how these details show up in my daily routine.

Groomed/polished:

• Bathe

• Do my hair and makeup

• Clean and stylish clothing

Organized

• Prepared for the day and meetings/guests

• Lunch is packed

• Have everything I need for the day

• My schedule is planned for childcare, dinner etc.

Clear and Focused:

• Rested and centred

• Know the objectives of the day, week, month

• Goals are revisited daily

• Not distracted

Positive and Encouraging

• A thankful heart

• Personal conflicts are resolved or managed

• Coming from an understanding that everyone is doing their best

• Be the light and love

Educated:

• Recently studied

• Recently created

When we go through the details of our goals and motivations we are more easily able to see what the actionable steps are. How we need to look ahead and be wise with our time and our mind. We can also see how we need to be in tune with our life, heart and mind. I call this being centred.

Being centred is important because we need to be able to steer our ship as the captain. Yes if you believe in God or gods, or the universe there are elements of life that are not in our control. There are however a thousand small decisions every day that are in our control and that will create our life. If we choose not to do our hair, if we choose to focus on how tired we are, if we are bitter about yesterday’s argument we will not be able to make these decisions with our whole self. The result is a life that we haven’t chosen for ourself. When we choose to be intentional about everything then we will more efficiently reach our goals.

Now, I need to take a minute to acknowledge the overachievers and perfectionist in the room. Being intentional about your choices does not mean you do life perfectly. It’s not about perfection or achievement. It is entirely about showing up for your life. If you never take the actions that are required to get you where you want to go you will never get there. You have to get in the car to go to work. You have to read the book to get the education. It’s just about showing up! We will fail. That’s a guarantee. Through the failure we learn and through practice we make new habits. You will fall back on old habits but you will also be aware of that and reflect on why. And then you will pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again. Have you ever understood the idea that the more you do something the easier it gets? This is that. What gets in the way is what is in your head. Be centred with yourself, focus your intent and show up for your life every day!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my heart. If you are inspired by what you read, please share it with your friends!

– Chantel Funk

Last week: THE POWER OF CHOICE