Living In Gratitude: Daily Intentions

Our intention creates reality. – Wayne Dyer

Studies have proven that happy, successful individuals have a set routine and habits that keep them focused. One of these practices is taking time time each morning to set a daily intention.

This helps alleviate stress, creating an inner peace and assuredness that provides a fresh perspective. An intention is simply a promise you make to yourself. Setting aside time to contemplate your purpose for the day ahead allows for the opportunity to collect your thoughts and make a commitment regarding what you want to achieve as well as your attitude and behavior. This positive intention can involve your health and wellbeing, self-care, your career, education, hobbies, social activities, family time.

An intention is a simple statement and should focus on one thing each day. Setting a daily intention starts with the statement, “Today I will…”

Today I will begin a habit of setting daily intentions.

Today I will inquire about enrolling in XYZ class.

Today I will cook and eat healthy meals.

Today I will reach out to three important people to let them know I’m thinking of them.

Steps to setting a daily intention practice

Dedicate time every morning to set your daily intention. A good time might be as soon as you get up, before your workout, while you sip your coffee.
Keep track of these intentions by writing them in your day planner, noting it on your phone or calendar, or jotting it in a notebook.
Welcome any discomfort or unmet expectations you may feel. Be gentle with yourself. Rather than turning away, face the discomfort head-on. Give it a name: frustration, fear, uncertainty…. By facing it and calling it out, you help mitigate its power. And, the bigger the unease, the most significant the intention surrounding it.
Ask yourself, “What do I need most right now?”
Write down what personal promise you will make today to bring you what you need.
Strive to keep your feelings and intentions positive but if what you really need today is to let something negative go, that’s okay. Express this intention: “Today, I am done with…” Worrying about the future. Dwelling on past failures. Letting others take advantage of me. Feeling like I am not good enough.Tomorrow, try to counterbalance the prior day’s negative with a positive affirmation, “Today I will ….” Express my gratitude to others. Live in the moment. Re-connect with an old friend.

Setting daily intentions is a powerful, personal way to look inward and give ourselves what we need. It can help us reach our goals, both personally and professionally. It is a rudder to steer your life in the direction just right for you.

May your day be filled with gratitude and good intentions.