Intention Setting

October 21, 2024 (updated from November 27, 2023)

Intention setting is a term that many people have heard of, and some of those people practice it, but they may be practicing it incorrectly.

Intention setting is the practice of stating your daily plans of working towards a goal. That goal doesn’t have to be done in a single day; it could be a self-improvement goal. For example, one of my goals is to have more patience - MUCH WORK NEEDS TO BE DONE HERE. Integrating intention setting and affirmations into your daily meditation/yoga routine can have a huge impact; it can really set the tone for your whole day.

Daily goals vs. daily checklists

One way that people are practicing this incorrectly is by confusing intention setting goals with a daily checklist. You can INTEND to read a chapter of a book before bed at night, but adding that intention to a checklist turns it into a chore, and chores aren't desirable tasks, right? It also can make us feel disappointed in ourselves if we don't get that one chapter read. 

Daily checklists vs. wish lists

It’s also a common mistake to turn wish lists into checklists . Remembering to stop for a gallon of milk after school pick-up is a different kind of task than picking out new curtains for the living room. Combining “I need to” with “I wish to” is going to make your daily to-do’s seem impossible, and when there are things on your checklist that didn’t get checked off, it can make you feel un-accomplished and unsuccessful. Feeling like this everyday can really lower your vibe.

Analyze each thing and ask yourself if it is an intention, a chore or a wish. Knowing the difference and executing your lists accordingly can free up some time and energy, and can really help you feel a sense of accomplishment when you check the right box off the right list.

Be good to yourself and others!

Namaste