Have you ever sensed the weight of the Holidays approaching while rushing around, striving for picture-perfect moments, and keeping everyone happy? I have experienced the feeling firsthand and it can be an exhausting balancing act! Navigating gracefully through these challenges may seem daunting, yet setting intentions and aligning your values can shape the tone for this season. Let this season be guided through intention and innate connection. Unlock connections with others through what matters most by fostering understanding, authenticity, and exploration of shared values.
Intention vs Goal?
The Oxford Dictionary defines intention as: “a thing intended; an aim or plan”. It can be interpreted in many ways and is commonly mistaken for a goal. However, the difference between a goal and an intention is that a goal can be accomplished in the future, whereas an intention is a state of being that can start in the present moment. Intentions focus on internal work, perspective, and mindset shifts to determine how you want to show up and feel. Intentions are purposeful reminders that set your pace.
Where Do I Start?
Now, to figure out which intentions to set this Holiday Season and New Year, I have my Clients reflect on their values. You can consider what is important to you and the core beliefs that shape decision-making and meaning. What a big question! This can be broken down into a process of elimination or creating a vision board. The board can be centered around the holiday season, a specific feeling, or what’s most important to you. I prefer vision boards because they can reveal unconscious desires, specific moments in time, people, and places. Look for themes and patterns within the board that set the mood you want to create. Identify a few recurring ideas and reflect on their meaning to you, these are your values. Aligning your values with your intentions can increase motivation by tapping into your why and creating a more fulfilling holiday. Taking the time to clarify your values may help you identify what you truly want in life.
Vision + Value = Intention
Once you clearly understand your values, it’s time to get specific. After the reflection, you have an idea of where you want to be and what’s important to you, now it’s time to assess how you want to feel. For instance, on your vision board, you may have had a picture of a family; the value may be family-oriented, and the intention could be to be present in times of togetherness or connection with family. Another example could be a picture of a holiday party; the value is thoughtfulness, and the intention could be discovering joy in the little things. The idea is to visualize where you want to be, identify value, and connect the two with an intention. The intention acts like a new pair of glasses that allows you to focus and gain clarity.
Review and Refine
The intention is set, now it’s time to practice. In the morning, start by verbally repeating the intention and visualizing it in your everyday life. Then, write your intention down on sticky notes to serve as a visual throughout your day. For instance, you may place them on your computer, mirror, or car. Make it your lock screen, the heading of your planner, or even set a reminder on your phone. You want to remind yourself as much as possible. After a few weeks, you can reflect on your progress and edit it more specifically or add more to the list.
As always, there isn’t a “wrong” way to practice setting intentions. Believing in yourself is half the battle. Intentions are like seeds; you have planted a seed, and it takes time for it to grow. With belief and thoughtful steps, you have the power to shape your life through connection and authenticity. Trust the process and let your purpose lead to a fulfilled and intentional Holiday Season.