Defining what you want for your self this year, in 5 years, or for the rest of your life is probably the hardest mental and physical exercise you will put yourself through over and over again. It doesn’t have to be if you simply break it down into small steps nourished with intentions.
An Intent can be defined as a mental and physical feeling of total focus in a particular action, and the belief of that action to lead to a specific goal.
Mind-Body Collaboration
When you have a goal, it is essential that your mind and body be in sync with the belief that you can, will and are able to make that goal happen. The first and most critical part of your goal is to clarify your intentions for attaining that goal. You’re reading this now because you have the desire to accomplish a goal, and 1) you realize your day to day actions have been self-sabotaging and contrary, and/or, 2) you’re not sure where to start.
Habits are Comfortable
Habit and fear prohibit us from following our intentions. Example: You truly desire to lose weight and build a strategy to eat healthy and exercise. However, the minute you turn away and lose that focus, your response to your daily routine is what you’ve always done out of habit – eat junk food, or excessively/mindlessly binge. Your body hasn’t experienced anything different in response to your usual routine and the fear can be of change itself. Habits are comfortable, no matter how destructive or life threatening. Change is perceived unknown territory… very scary.
Define Your Intention
Why do you want what you want? Taking the example above: Why do you want to lose weight? Is it because you feel pressure from your friends/family/colleagues? Or, do you need to resolve a health issue like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.? Perhaps you want to fit into an old wardrobe that reminds you of a past you once cherished? These examples don’t apply to weight loss, so you want to redefine your intention.
It doesn’t matter what the reason is. No one is judging you, but yourself… now stop that because it doesn’t serve you. The whys and wherefores come from your heart and that’s all that matters, but you have to be honest with yourself. This guarantees to save you time and energy, which is your most precious resource.
Feel It
So, instead of asking yourself "what do I want", ask yourself "how do I want to feel". Would you like to feel "light and lean" as you move about your day? Would you like to feel energetic and vibrant? These are true intentions for "losing weight".
A Daily Practice
Fueling your intentions with a daily practice strengthens your commitment to your goal. Saying, “I intend to lose weight” is a passing thought. Instead, a daily practice where you state out loud, "I intend to feel light, lean and vibrant” increases your chances for making it happen.
When mind and heart are not in sync, you’re not manifesting your true intention and instead are faced with stress, frustration, anger, and ultimately disease, because your body absorbs those negative reactions. The time is now to open up to living joyfully, and at peace. What are your intentions?
Whether you want better health, more money, or to live in peace with yourself and loved ones, you will get there if that is truly your intention.
Lizette,
You are absolutely right:-
Clarity is extremely essential and the vital key aspect since by clearly knowing what one is seeking – intending to accomplish, this provides an immense awareness; empowers and stimulates the meaningful intention – desire as a useful motivator, from time to time
Quote from your post:-
"The first and most critical part of your goal is to clarify your intentions for attaining that goal"
Vashi
Thank you Lizette, I am just starting to set up my personal goals and your blog has given me the insight to confirm what I need to do to change and transform my self and my life.
Glad to hear it that Gail.
Thanks for your comment, Vashi.
In good health,
~Liz
http://www.bodyrules.com