What’s More Important than Goals?

I was in the library the other day and saw Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book, “The Power of Intention.”

I knew I had to check it out.

I like to create goals and make a plan but my follow-through stinks. I have to redo them every week and rewrite them again because I didn’t follow through on my diet, or exercise plan, make the calls, marketing plan, or whatever. I do get things done but never perfectly because I wait till
the last minute. I was born a procrastinator and preparation is my weakness. If I followed my plan of action I would be a great success!

So. when I turned to any page in Dr. Dyer’s book I had an AH-HA moment. I was quickly reminded that I was missing a piece. Me writing down new goals every week wasn’t going to make me achieve them if there was a mismatch in my intention. I can say some not nice things to myself and by doing so I am sabotaging my goals.

How often do we set intentions?

It’s not something I am used to doing except in yoga when the instructor tells me to and gives me a word: like gratitude or abundance.

Setting an intention is quite different than setting a goal and both are important. Instead, setting an intention is focusing on how you are “being” in the present moment. Your intention is attention is on the “now” You set your intentions based on understanding what you value most.

Do you value happiness and joy? Say, “I intend to manifest happiness and joy naturally”. Do you value serving others? Say, “I intend to make someone smile today and bring joy to another”.

Give intention to what you do every day – like before driving set the intention that you will arrive safely at your destination or before speaking. Say, I “intend for my words to inspire and uplift my audience”.

Do you value your emotions during the day? Say, “I intend to live in gratitude for all that I have and all that I am and I intend to remain open and receptive to opportunities for meaningful contribution.”

But you can’t force it. You can’t set an intention that you don’t believe in. Your chosen intention should always be positive, uplifting, and always in the present tense. An intention will help create more clarity in your life. Goals help you be an effective person and you need both.

But with goals, you either meet them or you don’t. But the intention is what provides you with self-respect and peace of mind.

Try it and let me know how it works for you!