As seen in Jan/Feb 2017 Issue of Mira Mesa Living Magazine
Like most people I make new goals every year. Last year, on my birthday, I decided to do things a little differently and set goals with intentions.
I’ve heard about setting intentions before, but I wasn’t sure how to truly practice them in my life. After a lot of research, soul searching, talking to friends and even a life coach, I discovered how important setting intentions are.
I’m not perfect, but I’m making strides and taking steps toward the life I want to live.
As moms, we tend to unintentionally let ourselves go. The change may not be visible to the naked eye, but if we aren’t careful we can lose pieces of ourselves. And if we don’t do anything about it we can dig ourselves into a deep hole of anxiety, stress and even depression. None of which are good for us or our families.
Setting goals with intentions simply means that we align all our goals to what we truly want out of life.
According to The Empowerment Dynamic there are three differences between goals and intentions.
The Difference Between Goals & Intentions
1. GOALS are focused on the FUTURE. INTENTIONS are in the PRESENT moment.
2. GOALS are a DESTINATION or specific achievement. INTENTIONS are LIVED EACH DAY, independent of reaching the goal or destination.
3. GOALS are EXTERNAL achievements. INTENTIONS are your INNER-relationships with yourself and others.
How to Set Goals with Intentions
Here are 6 ways I’ve personally learned to set goals with intentions. I hope you find them helpful.
1. Set your intentions first. Think positively of the things you truly want out of life. Write down 2-5 meaningful desires, like live a peaceful and healthy lifestyle, be adventurous, unleash my creativity. For each intention write a few sentences about why they matter to you. Intentions put the fire under your goals, your reason for being.
2. Set your goals around those intentions. Use your intentions for inspiration. Break your goals into different categories such as family, career, home, finance, personal development. Make sure they are specific and measurable. For example, if your goal is to lose weight in 2017, set a specific and realistic amount you want to lose – 10 pounds by December 31. By losing weight you’re aligning your intentions to feel healthier and have more opportunities to be adventurous. Get it!?
3. Create an action plan. To make things happen you have to write down your goals and intentions. Keep them in a place where you can check in. Take it a step further and create a plan. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but if you’re visual like me, make a board and make it pretty so you’ll want to look at it.
Create action-oriented processes that move you closer to your goals while living out your intentions. Going back to the weight loss goal example you can say, walk or run 2 times a week, drink 8 glasses of water daily, prepare healthy meals for my family. It may take a while to get into this routine, but if you make a plan, take action and strive daily to reach these smalls steps you will succeed in the end.
4. Give yourself grace. Perfection is overrated. Make mistakes, embrace them and enjoy the process. Yes, keep your eye on the prize, but soak in the experience along the way.
5. Find an accountability partner. Having a support system is essential to reaching your goals. Have you noticed that when you tell people your dreams and goals they become more real? Tell the world of what you plan to accomplish, but make sure you have people to build you up, celebrate with you and encourage you when things get rough. This could be a friend, a family member, a Facebook group. You decide.
6. Have fun! The most important thing is to have fun. Embrace the changes and always look for the positive. Count your blessings and enjoy the ride.
Dreamboard Workshop for Moms
If you need more inspiration, please join us at the next Mira Mesa Mom’s Night Out where we’ll create a dreamboard on canvas. Meet new moms, perhaps an accountability partner and have fun creating the life you want for 2017!
When: Thursday, January 19, 6 – 9 pm
Where: Mimi’s Cafe
10788 Westview Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92126
Cost: $25 for early bird tickets, $35 for general admission
*Space is limited. Visit Mira Mesa Mom on Facebook for updates.
Click here or the image below for details and to reserve your spot today!
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