There’s something magical about the first calendar day of a new year. It’s full of promise and the perfect moment for a fresh start. But, at the same time, there’s something that feels so heavy about the idea of having to set big, lofty goals for the year. I find that there is more power when you stay in the present moment and set intentions that are JUST FOR TODAY.
I’d like to share my daily practice of intention-setting and share with you why I think this is a more powerful way of making change than setting huge and heavy ‘resolutions’ …
Every day is a fresh start
Every day is a new opportunity to set an intention and to live in a mindful way. My life has been improved immensely by a daily practice that I’ve been doing for the last ten years – waking up each morning and setting a clear intention for the day. The way I do it is that I simply ask myself three simple questions every morning:
- What do I want to create or make happen today?
- Why do I want this?
- How will I do it?
I choose one important thing to focus on every morning.
This morning when I woke up my primary intention was:
- What do I want to create or make happen today? I want to create an opportunity for a memorable moment of connection with my partner Ilan.
- Why? Connection is one of my highest values. I want to do this because I have been very busy and distracted these last few days, and I think we would both benefit from reconnecting as it will make me feel happier.
- How will I do this? I will do it by finishing, so we have a peaceful hour together before supper.
Daily intention-setting helps you craft your life’s vision
It’s wonderful to have a clear vision of things you want in your future. With this daily practice you can build this vision little by little, day by day. It takes the pressure off you feeling that you have to have a ‘perfect’ plan for the year ahead and gets you away from the idea that you have to push yourself so hard, to achieve what you want.
A daily practice keeps you focused in the present
If you are able to stay mindful and do this every day you will find that you strengthen the muscle of intentional mindful living. You’ll find that you stay connected with yourself. The ‘why’ question will keep you tuned in to your values and the ‘how’ question will get you focusing on solutions.
Why don’t you give it a try? Even if you do it just for a day you might find great benefits.
Wishing you a beautifully fresh start to every day!
