Setting goals is an effective way to align your ambition with the course of your life. Goals provide us a concrete destination and help us define the steps we need to take to get there. Oftentimes though, when we set goals for the day, time gets ahead of us, new priorities emerge, and we feel knocked off track. This is where setting daily intentions can help. Daily intentions are different from goals because they are not as concrete. They are instead a way to live your values while working towards your goals. Intentions build resiliency, help you stay focused and positive, and support the achievement of your goals.
Goals Look To The Future, Intentions Are For The Present
Goals are aspirational. Both short and long-term goals are focused on what we want to manifest at a future time. Intentions are all about making the most of the present moment. For example, a goal may be for your team to set a record number of sales this week. To support this goal, your daily intentions could include practicing active listening with your customers, being an all-star collaborator with your team, or to find joy in the work. All of these intentions will help support your goals and will help you feel accomplished in the present moment.
Goals Are External, Intentions Are Internal
Goals are about achieving something. Perhaps it’s to finally move into the corner office or get a raise by the end of the year. However, intentions are about your values and how you want to live your daily life. Intentions are not about what you can achieve externally, but what you can achieve internally. Your goal may be to be promoted, but your intention is to be like the compassionate leaders you admire. Your intentions help you grow and become the person you envision in your goal.
Goals Are The Destination, Intentions Are The Journey
Once you’ve achieved a goal, you cross it off your list and make a new one. However, intentions are lasting. They are about living your true purpose in life and aligning your values with your daily tasks. They are the “why” and “how” of your goals. Setting daily intentions can help you build resiliency and stay on task when your goals seem out of reach. They can help you find joy in the work you do and make you always feel like you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing in the present moment.
A great way to set daily intentions is by using your mala beads. Just as you do when meditating, you will count each bead in your hand and state your intention. Intentions can be short and simple like “be kind” or they can be more specific like “exercise patience and empathy with everyone you meet today.” Setting intentions with mala beads helps make them more tangible and keeps you aligned with your inner authentic self.
Setting goals is a wonderful way to achieve your ambitions. Setting intentions will help you live your achievements.
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