What Is Your Intention?

You have identified some values that matter to you and something you would like to achieve. Now consider your intention.

An intention is a decision about what you mean to do. It gives direction to your attention and actions.

You may have pictured something you have wanted for a long time. Forming an intention means deciding to give that possibility some attention and begin working toward it.

The reason behind your intention matters. Why do you want this? What would its accomplishment mean to you? How would it express the values you identified earlier?

Suppose you want a closer relationship with your family. Your intention might be to become more interested in what each person is experiencing. You could begin by making time to listen and understand them.

Or perhaps you want to earn a living through work you enjoy. Your intention might be to explore a particular field and develop the skills to work in it.

I regard intention as one of the most important life qualities. You can explore it in your own experience by noticing what happens when you decide on a direction and begin following it.

Your intention does not have to depend on 'feeling enthusiastic' every day, but it is a driving force that tends to carry you along in what you want to get done, regardless of interruptions, doubts, or delays.

You may also discover that your original idea needs refining. As you understand more about what you want, your intention can become clearer.

For now, put your intention into words that mean something to you. Choose a wording that expresses what you have decided to pursue and why it matters.

Try this

Return to what you wrote in the previous lesson. Complete these sentences:

“I intend to…”

“This matters to me because…”

Keep your intention alongside your values and what you would like to achieve. We will build on these in the next lesson.