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December 4, 2018

Rise and Shine with Purpose – Setting Intentions for Success

I can’t say that I jump out of bed in the morning with the enthusiasm of a cheerleader. In the past I’ve been guilty of cursing at or resetting my alarm repeatedly to a time that seemed more manageable. But over the last few years I’ve learned that it’s those first few waking moments that are essential to the success of my day. From the moment I wake up, I get to call the shots on how I want to show up in the world.

In some ways I’m like the CEO of my personal health business. It’s my job to oversee and manage my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. I’m the big communicator and what I say and do holds significant impact. If I’m calling in sick, it better be the truth because otherwise I’m sending a replacement to represent me and I’ve never liked the results.

There are also those days where I’d prefer to step down from the big position altogether and let someone else run the show. That’s usually when doubt or some sort of limiting belief shows up on the job to make me look bad, and creates more work for me. Before I let it get too far out of hand, I sit myself down and reassess the big picture of what I am here to do in this life. So, rather than laze in bed, scrolling through social media, or dozing until the last possible moment, I set an intention for the day and rise with purpose.

By intention I mean a declaration that I put out there that is one-hundred percent fact. How I handle situations or how I conduct myself stems from that fact. It’s empowering to say that “I will deal with whatever comes my way today with grace and ease” and then prove it, because I’m voicing a personal truth and then committing myself to stand by those words. Not long ago I used to let other people decide how my day went. I’d be at work and something unexpected would happen and I’d react and quickly convince myself right then that my entire day was ruined. I’d then spend the next seven hours putting all of my energy into staying upset, and by the time I got home I was emotionally drained and unhappy. Worse still, I kept that negative energy in motion by venting to my husband. In short, I made good on my word. Now when I set an intention, I do whatever I can to see it through.

Here are just a few ways to set an intention:

Write your intention on a piece of paper and carry it with you. When a situation arises, take the paper out and read it. Remind yourself that you alone choose the outcome. You decide whether to hold yourself accountable or not. I remember a movie I watched about a year ago where the character wrote out his intention that morning and then shoved it in his pocket. Throughout the day he encountered various people and situations that unknowingly tried to alter the outcome of that intention. In the end he made the decision to stand by his word, and in doing so, he empowered himself and others around him. He came out the big winner of the day.

Another method is the use of jewelry, a coin, or some other accessory like a scarf, belt, or tie. Let’s say you pick a silver pendant to wear. While holding it you can say something like, “I will keep my cool during today’s meeting” and then imagine that you are infusing the pendant with your intention. Throughout the day touch or place your hand on the pendant and sense an energy transfer. Believe that the energy reinforces your intent.

You can also set reminders on your phone for every hour. Not everyone is able to access their phones at work, but if you can and it works better for you, then go for it. Just make sure you don’t ignore the reminder, even when you’ve lost sight of your intended outcome. Again, you make the choice on how you respond to unforeseen events. At any time you can strengthen your resolve and put that intention back into play.

Our thoughts and words are potent stuff. We can talk ourselves in and out of the very same thing in a heartbeat. I tend to do that with exercise. Sure it’s easier to hit the snooze button and drift through the day in a mindless haze, but by setting intentions, and following through with purpose, you are holding yourself to a higher standard, and you are holding to your personal truth.

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Nancy Jackson  |  Contribution: 215