How Being Intentional Makes You Happy
"Inspiration does not beget action. Action begets inspiration."
- Chinese Proverb
This proverb succinctly sums up the power of intention. Nothing
happens, nothing changes without intended action.
An intention can best be described as an aim guiding an action.
What you intend, what you truly focus your energy on, will in
some form be realized. The thought alone will not make the
intention come true--rather, the outcome will be influenced by
your desire combined with action steps, small or large. Clear,
achievable intentions lead to transformation.
When you are clear on your intentions, your expectations become
realistic and achievable. That leads to less disappointment and
more happiness. How many times have you found yourself wishing
you'd done things differently? That party you planned just
didn't come off exactly as you'd hoped. Your presentation did
not have the desired effect. Your holiday was fun but it was not
all you had hoped it would be.
If you want things to turn out in your favor start becoming
more intentional. Here are three ways to support you to take
intended action.
1. Know What You Want
As Steven Covey says "start with the end in mind." Whenever you
are about to embark on new adventure ask yourself what you want
it to look like. Get a clear picture in your mind. If you are
thinking about booking your next holiday visualize what you
truly desire...the location, the weather, the experience, the
connections with people and how you will spend your time. Ask
yourself, "What is my overall intention for this vacation."
2. Take Action
Knowing what you want is only half the equation. You must strike
a plan to make it happen. If your intention is to have a
relaxing, sun-filled vacation with your family, you need to
share this vision with your family and take the desired steps to
make it a reality. It is important to list the actions items
that must take place. Then start checking them off, one by
one...with some help, of course.
3. Solicit Support
Whatever you've got planned for you and/or your family, make
sure you resist the urge to take on all the action steps
yourself. In fact, be intentional about not doing it all. If
your ideal family vacation has been imagined and the steps that
need to be taken to realize it listed, then now's the time to
get the right support to execute your plan. Maybe you need a
travel agent, maybe your partner can research hotels, maybe the
kids can start packing their bags. The point is to share the
load and everyone becomes inspired and happier as a result.