While two friends are chatting, one says, “I want to exercise more and feel great.” The second one says, “I intend to exercise and feel great.”
Which one do you think is going to get healthy and feel great? Certainly, the one who intends it.
Wanting is simply wishing you can have or do a particular thing it. Intending means you’re committed to achieving something by making a plan for success—and sticking to it!
What do you intend to do?
This is a great time of the year to refocus and think about your goals. Back to school is quickly approaching as we see the summer coming to an end. As a former teacher, this was always a time of rejuvenation for me – preparing for the upcoming classes, getting myself set to be back on a schedule and getting ready for my new routine.
As you and your family are preparing for your upcoming school year, or simply the Fall season, take the time to get yourself ready and think about what you want and need in your life.
Do you want more sleep or more energy?
Do you need better meals to fuel your body to get through your days?
Do you need to learn how to bake gluten-free and where to start?
Too much downtime from the summer and now need to get “back on track”?
Or, too many activities and not enough rest? (That can get you too!)
Need to go gluten-free and just don’t know where to start?
Think about what you want – what you need – and INTEND to do it!
Get Your Desired Results
The key to intention is action –
- Get clear on what you want. Create a vision board by gathering images and words that pertain to your goal, and gluing them onto a large piece of construction paper. Hang the collage in a spot where you’ll see it often. (Or, you can use an online service like Pinterest to create a digital vision board.)
- Do something to make your desire happen. Let’s say you want to eat four servings of vegetables a day. Your first action may be to go to a Farmers’ Market and purchase a few veggies you can cook for dinner.
- Write down your intentions – writing things down, placing them somewhere you will see daily, will help you accomplish your goals.
- Don’t forget to congratulate yourself for meeting your goal. Celebrate!
How to Have a Great Day… Every Day!
Did you know that you can even set an intention to have a great day?
Rather than diving into your morning and HOPING you’ll achieve your day’s big goal, why not take a moment and set yourself up for success?
The night before, take a few minutes before bed and write out a plan, what you intend to accomplish the following day. You can accomplish more when my your intentions are written down. Reread them in the morning and review again throughout the day. See how you can accomplish more every day.
According to The Institute of Integrative Nutrition, try using the “Setting An Intention to Succeed” exercise used by professional athletes, speakers, politicians, and performers:
- Upon waking, lie in bed and think about what you have planned for your day (or, find a quiet spot to sit and contemplate).
- Think about your desired outcome. Take a deep breath and visualize yourself succeeding.
- Replay your success several times in your mind.
- Next, add other senses, including sounds, smells, and touch. For instance, as you replay your success, you now also hear the director offering you the gig, or you feel the physical sensation of your finger hitting the “send” button on your latest assignment.
- Lastly, replay the scene again, adding emotions. Feel your elation at getting the part, or your pride at finally finishing your work.
You can perform An Intention to Succeed, throughout the day as desired.
It is OK to WANT, but start INTENDING and see where you can go!
If you need help with finding your intentions, especially if you intend to go gluten-free, e-mail me today at
jennifermarckshealthcoach@outlook.com to help you on your way!
Cork Bulletin Board with Note Photo by jannoon028; Positive Thinking Photo by Kromkrathog; Woman Meditating in the Park photo by Chaiwat; Yoga Pose Calm Photo by Stuart Miles;Open Book with Pencil by bugtiger all courtesty of freedigitalphotos.net
(Resources: IIN)
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