So many of us are focused on taking the necessary steps needed to achieve our goals. Whether that includes starting a business, taking a course, receiving a promotion, planning a pregnancy, or just being a better human being, the energy towards that goal is in full motion. I love to see my black culture thriving with people of all ages succeeding, wherever they are in the process. I mean every step, from the vision to its fruition.
However, throughout the journey, there are days where we don’t feel as motivated, or become frustrated, or become discouraged by the people around us who do not see the vision the way we do. But what if there was a way to take this goal-setting process a little deeper. See the goal is the thing we aim to accomplish, determination is the fire behind that purpose, but to stick to the plan we should acknowledge a very essential part of the process, Intention Setting.
We hear so many people speak about setting intentions. I’ve learned of this in spiritual practices, but there are so many of us doing this without even realizing it. Setting intentions is the act of stating what you intend to accomplish through your actions. It’s a commitment to what you want the journey to be about as you move on or move up.” (Sawruk, 2020) Intentions must be in the present tense, positive toned, clear, specific, and aligned with your personal thoughts and values. Here are a few examples of intentions:
- I intend to stop taking things personally.
- I intend to see the goodness around me.
- I intend to love myself unconditionally.
- I intend to be kind, even under pressure.
To set intentions means that you are tapping into your inner strength, focused on the bigger picture, and have a solid understanding of what you are hoping to gain throughout the process. In his book the “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success,” Deepak Chopra explains the Law of
Intention and Desires and how we can apply this to our lives. He explains, “Intention is the real power behind desire. Intent alone is very powerful, because intent is desire without attachment to the outcome… Your intent is for the future, but your attention is in the present. As long as
your attention is in the present, then your intent for the future will manifest, because the future is created in the present.” (Chopra, 2020)
Here’s how to set your intentions:
Silence Your Mind
Be Still. If you haven’t already, incorporate meditation into your daily routine. Meditation is essential for silencing the inner chatter. Allow your mind to rest in the mental space or frequency needed to set your intentions. It is best to set your intentions at the end, or after meditation. Repeat daily.
Let it Go
After your daily meditation, release your intentions and desires to the universe. Stop thinking about them. Allow the universe to do its thing.
Stay Centered
It is easy to get distracted by other people’s opinions and negative energy towards what it is we are trying to accomplish. Don’t get caught up on their perceptions. Most people are projecting their doubts based on their understanding. Remember, it is your vision. Listen to the inner voice that is telling you that everything will be just fine.
Detach from the Outcome
Chopra said it perfectly, “Relinquish your rigid attachment to a specific result and live in the wisdom of uncertainty. Attachment is based on fear and insecurity, while detachment is based on the unquestioning belief in the power of your true Self. Intend for everything to work out as it should, then let go and allow opportunities and openings to come your way.” (Chopra, 2020)
Whether you find yourself having a difficult time sticking to your goals, or feeling burnt out through the process, incorporate intention-setting into your life. This is so essential as it puts you in the frequency of what it is you want to achieve. The frequency of fruition, abundance, and success.
References
Chopra, Deepak. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of
Your Dreams (p.66-79). Amber-Allen Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Chopra & Trade, D. (2020, August 3). 5 Steps to Setting Powerful Intentions. Chopra. https://chopra.com/articles/5-steps-to-setting-powerful-intentions
Sawruk, C. (2019, December 12). Why setting intentions is the way to achieve your goals.
Medium. https://medium.com/@CoralieSawruk/why-setting-intentions-is-the-way-to-
achieve-your-goals-76d5e026d5d5