Here’s How You Can Set Meaningful Intentions And Make Them Part Of Your Everyday Life

Bostan Natalia - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Bostan Natalia - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer, Katharina Buczek.

Self-care and self-improvement have been all the rage in pop culture. And for many people, leaning into spirituality is a great way to foster a positive mindset and practice self-awareness. Now, if you have ever ended up on #Spirituality TikTok, then you know that this realm is home to a plethora of practices, traditions, and beliefs. Some people swear by using tarot cards, while others look to the zodiac, crystals, and meditation.

One overarching theme of all of these practices, though, is the idea of setting intentions. But what really is an intention, and why should we set them?

Intentions: The What & Why

In essence, an intention is a clear path that you set for your life. They are supposed to help us choose our own direction and take deliberate actions toward our goals.

And since intentions are grounded in the present, it is believed that every intention we set is like sending a signal to the universe. This signal is supposed to outline what we truly need or want in life.

Don’t get it twisted, though: setting intentions is not like making a wish that will magically come true. Instead, the act encourages us to take responsibility for how we experience our lives and reconstruct our own mindsets.

For instance, every time we set an intention about having a certain quality or living a specific kind of life, our minds start to open up and believe that we really can achieve our goals. This is crucial for remaining open-minded, accepting, and grateful for the journey.

Plus, thanks to neuroplasticity– or our brain’s ability to adapt according to our behaviors– setting intentions will subconsciously help us work toward building a better life in our day-to-day.

Bostan Natalia – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

Yes, life is chaotic and unpredictable, and we may not be able to maintain our zen at all times. However, the more that we are able to practice intention setting, the more we will understand our inner needs, wants, and goals.

Afterward, we can start to navigate life with a bit more self-awareness and make decisions that are more well-suited for our intended paths.

Goals or Intentions?

Before you set out on an intention-setting journey, it is also important to clarify the difference between goals and intentions.

Goals pertain to the future and are more reliant on the act of “doing” something. For instance, you may want to get promoted at work or lose twenty pounds.

Intentions, on the other hand, are rooted in the here and now. If goals are the end destination, then intentions should be your journey and how you get there.

Some examples of intentions might include, “I choose to trust my intuition,” “I move my body in ways that make me feel good,” or “I intend to listen before I offer up my opinion.”

How To Start Setting Intentions

Once you understand the difference between goals and intentions, you can finally begin bringing this practice into your life.

The first step in your journey is to become crystal clear about what you intend to bring into your life. These qualities can be anything– just remember to keep them positivity-focused.

Many people opt to speak in the present tense, using “I am” or “I choose” to start putting their intentions into their daily lives. But you are also always welcome to use “I will” at the start of an intention.

Then, once you speak some intentions into the universe, the work is far from over. Instead, you actually have to activate them within your day-to-day life.

If one of your intentions was to move your body in ways that make you feel good, then be sure to carve out twenty or thirty minutes to do just that. Have a dance party, walk your dog, do some yoga, or do anything that floats your boat.

Likewise, if you want to work on listening skills, be sure to stay present in your conversations with family members, friends, and coworkers. Take a second after they are done speaking to soak in what they really mean before responding.

There is no right or wrong way to go about this “spiritual to-do list,” but making incremental and intentional habits every single day will help you chip away at them.

Plus, if you find that you are feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed during the process, journaling is a great way to keep track of your intentions, feelings, and behaviors. By writing these things down, you will be practicing active self-awareness and self-reflection. You can even put some intentions on post-it notes on your vanity mirror, refrigerator, or anywhere you frequently go throughout your day to serve as little reminders.

Finally, the most important thing to remember when setting intentions is to make them about things that excite you, that feels possible, and that feel true to your core values and beliefs.

With this mix, your brain will start to believe your intentions, and your behaviors will match up to help bring your intentions that much closer to fruition.

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Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

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