“A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step”.
Lao Tzu
At certain times in our lives we are motivated to reflect. Sometimes this coincides with a specific timing – the beginning of a new year or seasonal change. It may also be triggered by a life event such as an important birthday, birth of a child or the last child leaving home. It may be none of those things except for a general feeling of discontent with the way we live our daily lives. This last incentive for change may have been slowly creeping upon us without notice, yet there is a point where it can no longer be ignored.
At these pivotal times we may be seeking new skills, attitudes, or behaviours to those we know. There is motivation to plant ‘seeds’ of new intentions. It can be a time of reading more and seeking advice from others. We are inspired to meditate or journal more regularly. We feel frustration with a habit we wish to change for our general well being. The thirst comes from feeling discomfort with our current situation, one we seek to change.
What is intention?
Intention is a mental state where we make a commitment to a goal or plan. It begins with thinking through an idea first, then taking action to make the intentional changes a reality. Often, we spend too long ruminating and baulk at putting our new actions into practice. We are creatures of habit, so our default is to revert to attitudes and behaviours we know. For example, we might set a goal of eating more healthy food only to find that we quickly break the habit by reaching for the biscuits or chocolate in the pantry. We may want to spend more time with family or friends but find life gets busy and we discover that time has passed, and opportunities have been lost.
Why is it important to focus on our intentions?
When we are consciously aware of wanting to make changes, then focus on our new habits, over time the change becomes automatic. It takes motivation to begin and then maintain a new behaviour. Take small, realistic steps each day toward the goal. Redirect yourself with new resolve when you revert to old ways and keep focused on what you hope to achieve. Keeping a visual reminder of your intentions such as a calendar to mark off, a vision board of images or list of words that represent your ‘future self’ are powerful motivators. The change you see in yourself, rather than any external reward, is one you will be proud of. It is the healthier body, the calmer mind or the deeper relationship that is the true reward.
Like planting a seed, setting an intention requires fertile soil as a foundation. This comes in the form of mentally identifying what you wish to change and having a plan of action in mind. If you wish to change a behaviour there is a framework of how this can be achieved. Commitment and accountability, perhaps by telling others your intention, help set the path for momentum.
Water and sunlight provide the energy to grow the intention. Taking the first step of action to change is crucial. We also require the patience and perseverance to wait for our intentions to materialize and to overcome setbacks. Just like a seed if we plant intentionally and continually put in the effort of fostering growth we are rewarded with the fruits of our time and energy.
“Patience without action leads to a passive life. Patience with perseverance leads to us fulfilling our goals.”
Ikigai Journey – Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
Your intention may be to experience something new or to learn a new skill. It may be developing a more confident, optimistic, or independent attitude. Perhaps it is developing a regular practice for physical or mental well being. Whatever it is, I wish you well. Take meaningful action and stay focused as you watch your intention grow into a reality.
