The Power of Intention
Humans are creatures of habit.
We like our routines and the predictability of how we do things. even when those things aren't conducive to making us healthy and happy.
It isn’t always easy to see where we are holding ourselves back, or where our daily habits may be letting us down.
So that no matter how hard we try to improve our health or how we feel mentally + emotionally, we can’t quite get there.
The problem is our habits and actions we take aren’t always the right ones. Mindless action is only of benefit to you if that action takes you in the right direction!
Intention is a powerful thing.
When we are present, and do things with intention, make choices with intention we not only take action, but it is action in the direction of where we truly want to go.
Action with beliefs, values and a clear end goal in mind is far more effective than beneficial.
What is ‘Intention’?
The dictionary definition of intention :
intention |In'ten/(a)n|
noun
1 a thing intended; an aim or plan: she was full of good
intentions | [with infinitive] : he announced his
intention to stand for re-election.
[mass noun] the action or fact of intending:
intention is just one of the factors that will be considered.
(someone's intentions) a person's plans,
especially a man's, in respect to marriage: if his
intentions aren't honourable, I never want to see him again.
Intention is placing your focus on something and guiding it in the direction you want it to go.
Intention is mindful focus.
It is getting clear on your Why’s and on what’s important…
Who are You?
What’s Important to You?
Who do You WANT to be?
What are your Beliefs, Values and Boundaries?
These are all things whose answers will make up the basis for your intentions.
So instead of just taking action that seems good at the time, you can instead take action based on whether it moves you forward towards you goals + life ambitions.
On whether is enforces and aligns with your beliefs, values and boundaries.
Why is Intention Important?
It can be hard to let go of control and slow down sometimes. We have been taught that productivity = success, and often our self-worth is rooted in the misconception that we must be ‘doing’ to be able to achieve out goals and dreams.
In fact the opposite is true in many cases. To be able to achieve, be productive, creative and take great leaps forward we also need times of rest.
Intention comes into the mix when we are making choices for our life, our happiness and our health + wellbeing, not just when it comes to reaching goals and making big life decisions.
For example.
You can choose to continue to think of your food and nutrition as a last minute thing making the easiest and often and healthiest food choices.
Or you can set the intention to eat healthier, i’m beginning to intentionally set aside time for buying fresh fruits and vegetables and cooking meals at home.
It’s all well and good setting goals and new habits you want to have, but without the intention and meaning behind them we are less likely to stick to new habits no matter how much we want to in the beginning.
How to be Intentional With Your Health + Wellbeing
Those changes made with a goal in mind, changes that have a heartfelt reason behind them are more likely to stick and be the things we are successful with.
Having a set goal or reasons that are deeply connected to you, your life and your path, reasons that you can refer back to throughout any process or changes you are going through. They can help you to not only stay focused and connected with your journey, but can also remind you why you’re doing this through any sticky, touch patches that come up.
These intentions + things you want to see shift in your life also act as your milestones and goals
These are things that help you physically see your progress, are markers to celebrate when you achieve them
As well as giving you additional direction + a lense to see where you are perhaps neglecting certain aspects of the process or areas in your life/lifestyle that still need some work….
It has been scientifically proven that people who start working towards new habits Who do so with set goals + intention in mind. With a plan of action, are far more likely to succeed.
“Setting your intentions is setting yourself up for success”…
If you want help with creating a life with more intention, with more focus on health and wellbeing I’d like to introduce you to my free course Rooted + Intentionally You.
A guide to transitioning to a more intentional lifestyle and becoming a thriving human being.
For humans who feel called to slow down so you see more of life, live more seasonally + in tune with nature, and rediscover your joy + wellbeing.
A self-paced course delivered in a series of weekly emails that offer advice and wellbeing tips to help you adjust to a slower, seasonal and more intentional way of living.
Slow-living does not have to mean missing out or not doing the things you love. It is choosing to do things with intention and value. Strengthening your boundaries, putting your health and wellbeing first, and focusing on bringing more joy + ease into your life!
ROOTED + INTENTIONALLY YOU A guide to Being ; because life is too important to always be ‘doing’. For people who want to put an end to the endless stress and overwhelm + live a life that brings happiness + health. For you if you are struggling to adapt to a life changing illness.
Learn to make choices based on your intuition, your values and what your body really needs.
Improve your nutrition and eating habits and incorporate more seasonal food choices
Find balance between work and play + understand the cycle of productivity
The importance of incorporating rest + ritual
Planning + productivity for the seasons + working with your natural cycles of energy + focus
xo Emily
