But where do our intentions come from and what do they mean? I know when I am not clear about something, personally or professionally, the way I get clarity is to ask myself, "What are my intentions here"? "What do I want to produce"? and "What do I need to be mindful of"? Try it yourself!
When we are intentional and mindful (conscious and aware) of our thoughts we gain focus which gives us the necessary clarity to make decisions and to take action. By being intentional, people aren't allowing life to just happen and reacting. They are purposeful and clear on what they want and take action steps that align with what they want. So when someone tells you what you did was "lucky" or it happened "by accident"...no such thing exists! Intention is about who you are "being". Be aware and mindful of your thoughts and who you are spending your time with. Do work and activities that make you happy. When we say "yes" to life by doing what we love, we are saying "no" to stress. It's quite empowering!
Our intentions, what we intend to do, how mindful and purposeful we're being, helps give us the tools we need to navigate through life. But before we even set our intentions, we must first look at our self talk, our inner dialogue, to make sure we're coming from a positive mindset. Otherwise the outcome we desire won't manifest.
Here are eight Strategies for Positive Self Talk that has proven successful with helping people shift from negative to positive:
1) Set aside a Quiet Time - during this time, even if it's for just ten minutes, think of what your intentions are for the day, the week. What do you want to accomplish? How do you want your day to look? It helps you focus and gain clarity.
2) Be Present and In the Moment - people tend to think in the past and get stuck there, or in the future and anticipate the "what if's" which create anxiety. It's okay to look to the past or future...just don't stay there...stay present and in the moment...that's all we really have.
3) Be Aware and Notice - your thoughts, your actions, how your body feels, and your environment. Each sends us signals and by being aware of them, it helps us handle different situations.
4) It's a Perspective - we all look at things through one lens or one view. The view we have is from our own lens (or what we learned from the adults around us growing up). Realize this is just one perspective, one view...change the lens to see other perspectives.
5) Choose the Words You Think and Say...Intention - words, like everything else on this planet, is made up of energy (this concept is proven by quantum physics)...therefore the words we choose and say have different energies, different intention. In the book, The Little Engine That Could, there's a big difference in intentions between "I Think I Can" and "I Know I Can". Knowing is much more purposeful and the chances of something happening greatly increase when your thoughts are knowing rather than apprehensive thinking. See where you can apply this in your life!
6) Replace and Reframe Negative Self Talk with Positive Self Talk - shift from negative to positive. For example, shift your intention from "I don't want to be around negative people" to "I only want to be around positive people"- subtle change shifts to a positive intention. In addition, practice positive affirmations...give it try!
7) Focus on What You Have - what you think is what happens in the world...think with positivity!
8) Realize You Have a Choice - many people forget they have choice. They feel trapped or feel "this is the way it is". Know you ALWAYS have a choice...it's a very empowering feeling! And that is under Your control!
Once you transition to a positive mindset, and practice this daily, shift happens! Intentions are clear and life feels more purposeful. It's a great time to set short and long term goals and create a plan for 2009. If you'd like an "Intentions Goal Setting" worksheet, email or call me at the contact information below.
Make it a mindful year- It's your Choice!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certified Business and Life Coach Susan Samakow is the principal of Susan Samakow Coaching, LLC. She works with individuals and businesses on life and career transitions, focusing on retirement. Susan coaches individuals, couples, and groups, as well as conducting workshops, retreats, and seminars. For questions, contact Susan at susan@selftalkcoach.net, or 301-706-7226 and 703-472-7690. You may visit her website at www.selftalkcoach.net.
