7 Intentions To Set To Take Control Of Your Life
Setting intentions and following through with it is not a one-time thing. Intentions aren’t the same as a resolution. It’s an approach to personal growth and lifestyle changes that require a committed effort.
They will, overtime, transform your life.
If you look at intentional living as a way of life and less like a quick solution designed to get fast results, you’ll reap major benefits.
You’ll feel more agency over the things you can control and worry less about those you can’t.
As your life evolves, so will your circumstances, needs, and goals. So, your intentions should be adaptable and flexible to whatever season of life you’re in.
Purpose is a huge part of intentional living: it forces you to ask yourself why you choose to do the things you do.
In order to upgrade areas of your life and set your future-self up for success, you’ll need to get right with your purpose. As you become more aware of your needs and intentions in each area, ask yourself if your present actions help you thrive or hold you back.
Perfectionism has no place in personal growth, so focus more on the positive changes you can make today and less on how far you have to go or what you might think you’re doing “wrong”.
Setting intentions in any one of the seven categories below will have a real impact on your overall quality of life. More importantly, you’ll build your confidence and start believing that you can do anything you put your mind to.
How amazing is that?
1. Financial
There’s a saying: “if you can’t manage a hundred dollars, you can’t manage a thousand dollars”. Surprisingly, few people know how to manage a hundred dollars. Financial self-care is a thing and it is time to get your budget on board!
If you don’t already have a budget, now is the time to make one.
When you have a budget and track your money, not only will you start saving more, but you’ll actually feel really good about spending money.
Who wouldn’t want that?
Clearing up financial wreckage will leave you in a position to make smarter choices going ahead – and work harder for the things you really want.
Try: Pick up the must-read The Complete Guide to Money by Dave Ramsey (it can help you become #debtfree). Then, seriously consider a budgeting app: You Need a Budget offers a free and paid plan that will help you track every dollar and save more than ever.
2. Spiritual
No matter where you are on the spectrum of believers and non-believers, there’s a place for you to find yourself.
Creating intentions around your spirituality (or curiosity about life and your purpose) is like making a commitment to your future self.
Spirituality is an avenue for self-exploration, questioning, and finding roots in something that feels so great it can push you closer toward your truest self.
Unfortunately, making time for that spiritual connection can usually fall last on the to-do list. So, setting up a routine around your unique practice, whatever it looks like to you, will guarantee you don’t miss out on the guidance you seek.
Try: Catch up on some reading that guides you toward your natural spiritual state. You might start with the gentle, meditative approach of Gabrielle Bernstein’s The Universe Has Your Back.
Explore the Female Mind Unleashed Emotional Wellness & Spiritual Wholeness workbook.
3. Creative
Are you prioritizing creativity in your life? Too often this is one of those areas that’s deemed “frivolous” unless you’re actually making money in your creative pursuits.
But you must make an effort to find and invest in outlets that make you feel awesome, open, and supercharge your creativity.
Moving toward intentional creativity won’t just help you feel more fulfilled, but will also have a positive impact on your ability to problem solve, think outside-of-the-box, and build relationships!
Try: Invest in yourself through “Morning Pages”, a practice recommended in Julia Cameron’s creative bible The Artist’s Way that artists and writers swear by. Or, load up on crafts (get some ideas here) and start a DIY passion project at home.
4. Time + Scheduling
With at least fourteen waking hours a day, there’s ample opportunity to set serious intentions that will push your goals and happiness forward.
Mindfulness plays a big role in time management; have you ever set out to finish a task just to look at the clock and see you spent 15 minutes on your phone instead?
Not only does losing track of time feel defeating, but it can also add up to wasted hours throughout the day.
On the flip side, being mindful of which tasks hold the most weight and prioritizing appropriately can help you set realistic expectations.
The same goes with how you spend your free time – are you feeling fulfilled or bored and disengaged?
Try: There are a lot of free time management tools out there. Pomodoro timer is great for timed breaks in between focus sessions. Try creating an energizing morning routine so you can find focus throughout the rest of your day.
5. Physical
If you’ve ever judged your worth based on your body, it’s time for an intention shift! Making space in your life for physical expression and exercise doesn’t have to tie directly back to any goal other than feeling good.
If you set out with an intention to use movement to enhance the connection you have with your body, you’ll naturally gravitate toward activities that will help you achieve that.
Body goals are personal, so dig deep to find what your motivations are to keep yours healthy and happy.
Be mindful of where certain ideals come from – are they self-prescribed or something you inherited from society?
Try: Set aside 30 minutes a day for your mind-body connection with the only goal being to move your body. Listen to music that either calms or energizes you, depending on your mood, and focus on the power of your body’s flow and rhythm. Then, get the Female Mind Unleashed guide 100 Affirmations for Body Positivity.
6. Networking
Let’s face it, networking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but just because something doesn’t come naturally to you, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it.
There are big benefits in cultivating a social circle around your hobbies, career, or interests.
If you treat networking more as a must-do (not only for your professional life but social one, too) and approach it with discipline, then you’ll feel like it’s an accomplishment incorporating events and opportunities into your calendar.
But, more often than not, you’ll be proud that you stepped outside of your comfort zone to make a positive impact on your life.
Try: Get involved online! Find niche groups by searching Facebook or other social platforms. Look for organizations in your area that appeal to particular interests, and see how you can connect w/ other locals.
7. Self-Talk
You engage with yourself through self-talk and inner dialogue.
You can commit to making changes in your life but if you don’t train your inner voice to join you on your mission, you’ll have a hard time getting anywhere.
While setbacks happen to the best of us, a “yes” mindset (along with your creative thinking) will keep you focused on your goals and help you navigate unknown territory like a boss.
Plus, that same voice will reinforce your other intentions and push you to pursue greatness.
Try: Silence that inner critic with empowering mantras designed to inspire your day. Come up with a “comeback” you can recite if you notice a negative thought loop heading your way to stop it before it starts.
Setting Intentions Will Transform Your Life
As you figure out the key areas you’d like to focus on improving and upgrading in your life, keep in mind that setting intentions is just like forming a new habit.
It will take some time to master the process, feel confident in yourself and your capabilities, and start achieving results.
But you are worth it, and you are so capable of change! Give yourself a high-five for reading this article and spending some time thinking about the version of yourself you’d like to become.
You’ve got this!
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