Setting intentions not resolutions!
By: Brenda Macd
Tags: Just Start Project, Scheduled Tasks, Goals, Resolutions, Intentions

Intention: an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result. the end or object intended. Also goals and aims are mentioned when you look up the meaning of intention.

The word intention appeals to me as it is a call to action. It is not a resolution which is a firm decision to do or not to do something. Intention for me is more positive. It is intending to complete an action, project or even feel a certain way.

Notice the word firm and not to do something is not mention for setting an intention. It is determining mentally upon some action or result. How we get there is totally up to us.

Intentions are more fluid. They can grow organically as we learn more. Our intentions can change with more information or even heading down an interesting rabbit hole. Yes we are aiming for an end result or completion of a project, but we are going about it intentionally — with a plan.

What I like about setting an intention is that I feel more focused and in control. When I say and write out my intention it makes it more real. I feel an accountability now to start and finish it.

Intentions can range from starting or completing a project. To bringing more joy into your life. To finishing that stack of books on your bedroom floor. What about having your Christmas cards ready to mail December 1st. We can set an intention for pretty well any goal/feeling we want.

Also your intentions can change. Currently I’m setting a new intention quarterly. It gives me four months to concentrate on one item before moving on. If I don’t complete it I can reevaluate and carry it into the next quarter. For me it works as quarterly gives me a deadline to work towards.

If you have a deadline you can break your project up into smaller size pieces. If your intention is quarterly you can break it down into monthly or weekly pieces. To have X done by end of the first month. Smaller sizes pieces gives you something to check off. Which is encouraging as you move forward. You are not writing a novel you are writing a scene or character outline. Break it down!

I am treating my intentions as organic. To not get stuck thinking there is only one way to go about finishing something or feeling a certain way. To be open to experiences and changing course if needed.

I’m setting one every four months. It will be my focus and hopefully keep me on track.

Here is how I’m figuring out my intentions. Do I want a feeling or do I want to focus in on a project for the next four month?

If we want a feeling say joyful or playful. We write that word in the middle of a page. Around it (or a list) write down everything that gives me that feeling. Making sure to consider all our senses. Is there a certain smell? A food? Activity? This is a brain dump of ideas. Write down everything — even if you think it can’t be done. No judging or eliminating. It all goes down.,

Sit with it for a bit. We might add more items or not. All okay. We have set our intention to bring more X into our lives. We have four months to focus on this. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and start on our list. What can we start to schedule into our day? If reading brings us joy could we schedule in time at lunch to read? Start a reading hour at home with family. It is a good idea to give ourselves a bit of a deadline. Say finish one book a month. Remember be flexible. Life happens.

If we have projects half finished or want to start something new pick one. Remember to pick the one that excites us the most. Again we have to break this down. We have four months so schedule time into the day or week to work on the project. Break it down into pieces easily done. The smaller the better as accomplishing something always feels like a win.

If we want to write a novel break it down into an outline, scenes and character profiles. Small writing jobs that are important. Also smaller pieces allow us to finish something. To check that box of two scenes written. Scheduling and breaking down the project is crucial.

We want to start journaling. Break it down into 1) purchasing a pretty journal 2) look for journaling prompts on the internet 3) pick a few out to do. We gather momentum when we complete tasks. So purchasing a journal is a completed task. Check.

The biggest thing is to not set unreal expectations for ourselves. Four months might not be enough time to write a novel. To go through every closet in the house and organize. To learn a language. I hope you get the idea. I’m not saying you can’t get this stuff done but we don’t want to feel overwhelmed.

So we are going to decide if it is a feeling we want to experience or a project we want to finish or start in the next four months. Next brainstorm ideas of how to go about it. Creating a schedule, being flexible and giving our self grace if we fall behind. Re-examine what is happening. Maybe the project is too large — could it be broken down further?

Remember intentions are determining an action or result. Intentions are organic and we can adjust them as we gather more information. They are to help focus us on what we want to accomplish in four months (or your time frame).

Just start.