How Intentions Give You Purpose

Setting and living your intentions allows you to focus on who you are in the moment, to recognize and live your values, and to raise your emotional energy, which in turn raises your physical energy. Many entrepreneurs are excellent at identifying their values and understand that living within their interpretation of them is a powerful way to achieve success, and more importantly, happiness. Daily intentions can help you do that. They also provide a road map and reminder for how you choose to live out each day. Intentions give you purpose, as well as the inspiration and motivation to achieve your purpose, thus your goals.

There are no rules to setting intentions, but here are the benefits, guidelines, and reminders that work best for me. My intention is to share them here so that anyone who is meant to receive and benefit from this information will find their way to it.

Intentions have no limits.

By now, we all recognize and accept that human consciousness has an effect on everything from the molecular structure of water to the well-being of humankind.

In The Intention Experiment: Using Your Thoughts to Change Your Life and the World, Lynne McTaggart writes:
A sizable body of research exploring the nature of consciousness, carried on for more than thirty years in prestigious scientific institutions around the world, shows that thoughts are capable of affecting everything from the simplest machines to the most complex living beings. This evidence suggests that human thoughts and intentions are an actual physical “something” with astonishing power to change our world. Every thought we have is tangible energy with the power to transform. A thought is not only a thing; a thought is a thing that influences other things.

When you have clear thoughts (intentions) about everything from driving safely to a destination to each step in growing your business, the likelihood of success is far greater.

Intentions are expansive and more effective.

Intentions aren’t to be confused with goals. Where goals keep you on target, intentions set the pace and provide the continued motivation to achieve your goals. Intentions open your mind to all of the possibilities.

Example: I intend to remain focused on today’s goal of (blank), while remaining flexible and open to all possibilities about how I achieve my vision—or something greater.

Setting intentions will get you out of your head.

Voicing intentions will take your mind off of your problems and perceived limitations. Instead, it will place your focus on something that will have a positive impact on your life. For instance, clearly stating how you intend to feel today instead of wishing that you felt better puts the power of change in your own hands.

Example: I intend to master my energy today, and every day, by remaining focused, determined, and inviting positive thoughts and energy to fill my mind and body.
Setting intentions opens your eyes to the unexpected.
Do you ever go through the day so absorbed in thought that you don’t notice much of what’s going on around you? Intending to observe things that you may have otherwise missed sends signals to the brain to expand upon what it allows you to notice. For instance, when I set an intention to be more observing of things, I’ll often find interesting ideas and solutions in the least likely places. Just last week I saw a stranger who looked like someone I know, prompting me to contact that person. I’d been seeking a solution to a challenge and the perfect answer came up in our discussion—and I didn’t even bring up the topic!

Example: I intend to get out of my bubble today and pay special attention to details, people, and opportunities that may bring value to me now or in the future.

Intentions can include global contributions.

Most of us are concerned about certain global issues but sometimes feel powerless to help. Remember the butterfly effect: A small change can result in large differences. Setting an intention to make a difference can open your mind to ideas and opportunities to do so. Just saying out loud that you intend to be a part of the change is empowering.

Example: I intend to remain open to opportunities for meaningful contribution to (name your concern), and I am grateful for any part I may play in facilitating change.
Recite your intentions for every project, goal, or next event throughout each day. It literally takes about 15 seconds, and the impact is immeasurable.