Keep it Simple & Consistent
The key to intention setting is to keep it simple and consistent. I think we hear the term intention setting a lot but, I want to be super clear about what it means and how it can make a big difference to your life. Most importantly, I want you to know that it’s keeping it simple and consistent that will make all the difference. You can do this and you’ll probably be so glad you did.
What Is Intention Setting?
Let’s start with the question: What is intention setting? When we get to the heart of this we’ll understand why it’s so important. We talk a lot about intention setting and that’s because it is such a beautiful and transformative daily practice. When we say ‘intention setting’, we basically mean choosing how you want to show up in your day and your life. When life gets busy, it’s easy to get disconnected from our values and what feels important to us but, we don’t want to let that flame burn-out. In fact, we want to stoke it every day so that, we can show up for ourselves in a way that feels inspired and fulfilling.
Keep it Simple & Consistent
If I can tell you one thing, it’s this: the key to intention setting is to keep your practice simple and consistent. For example, choose an intention for yourself each morning and have it guide your day. Do this every day. It could be a fresh intention each morning or perhaps you have one guiding principle you want to stick to.
Simple and consistent mindful actions will become habits and you will begin to do this without thinking. I do not want you to underestimate the power for the simple, mindful choices you make every day. In talking to a lot of people over the years, I see that we can get overwhelmed by big goals and can get paralyzed into complete inaction. We start to get down on ourselves and this undermines the life we really want to live.
I want you to make simple choices every day to nourish yourself and you will absolutely see progress. Remember that it’s not always transactional. By this, I mean that when you take a simple action, you might not see an immediate result. What I’ve found to be true (and I’ve heard the same for many others) is that after practicing intention setting there is a moment where everything clicks and they look back and can see what a big difference it’s made.
Simple and consistent. A beautiful daily practice. It can take less than 30 seconds. Love yourself and make mindful choices. That’s it!
Ways to Get Started
Getting started can be super simple.
- Choose an intention each morning. You could choose a card to inspire you. You could also choose a word that reflects how you want to show up today.
- Write it down or create a physical reminder. You could place the card somewhere where you’ll see it often or you could write a post-it note. Other reminders could be a scent that reminds you of your intention, or a piece of jewelry or wallpaper on your phone. Having something to refer to is grounding and inspiring.
- Use this intention to inspire you throughout the day. You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be real and mindful. Be an active participant in your own life. Notice if this word changes some of your patterns and opens up new possibilities for you.
I always want to remind you that they key to intention setting is to create a practice of you loving yourself. It’s all about you choosing to show up in the world in a way that feels meaningful and fulfilling to you. There are a lot of distractions these days and perhaps expectations that aren’t yours. You know you and you have the opportunity to create a life that feels heart-felt and meaningful to you. Make your days matter and let them be intentional. And, don’t forget to infuse all of this with a lot of joy. It’s meant to be uplifting – not another to-do list item!
Wishing you many intentional days and great joy always!
Our cards offer great inspiration if you’re looking for a beautiful infusion to your practice.
For those wishing to take an intention setting deep dive, check out our awesome (and thorough!) Intention Setting workbook.
Wishing you great joy & many intentional days XO