Intentionality

Intentionality

Intentionality is a practice. It takes mindfulness and clarity. We often “intend“ to do things, but the actual results that we see are the true indicators of our intentions. So how do we get clear on our intentions?

One might suggest that when we set goals, those goals are based on our true intentions. However, I would suggest that the word “goal” is often associated with something big that we would like to achieve or have more of in our lives and that goal is usually based on an intention or set of intentions. So if we break a goal down to our underlying intentions, perhaps it can be more achievable and attainable in our minds.

For instance, if I set a goal to decrease the clutter in my home, what are intentions behind that goal? Why is it important for me to declutter?  For one, I’d like to not feel like I have to move my piles of paper around every time I have guests over. This often frustrates me because I might place things “out of sight out of mind” which makes it look like my space is clutter-free when it’s not. A second reason why it’s important for me to declutter is that I often move things around without putting them in a designated spot and that often leads to a situation where I can’t find what I need when I’m looking for it. A third reason of importance for me is that when I have a clear space I tend to have a clear mind, and when I have a clear mind I can focus on the more important tasks that need to get done. If the space is already clean I’m less likely to be distracted. And lastly, I enjoy walking in to a space that’s clear of clutter because it is a aesthetically pleasing to me.

So now that I’ve identified the reasons why decluttering is important, I can safely say that my intentions behind setting the goal of decluttering in my home are to lessen my confusion, to be able to locate things when I need them, to stay on task, to have a clear mind, to smile when I walk into the door because everything looks so nice. I would say that, collectively, these intentions support a much stronger intention of creating more freedom in my life. 

This process of breaking it down has now given me clarity around my goal. Now I get to be mindful about the processes or systems that I can put in place to get me closer to a decluttered space. For example, one process that I could implement would be to set a 10 minute timer and be mindful about picking up the random things that I’ve scattered around the house when I wasn’t intentional about placing them there. Another system would be to assign certain spots for certain things so that each thing has a “home” so that I can find what I’m looking for when I need it. 

Those are only two examples, but please realize that there are an infinite number of processes, systems and/or ways to do something. What’s most important is for me to be present in the moment, to be mindful and intentional about my actions. 

This “break down“ process has led me to realize many more successes in achieving my goals by allowing me to practice being mindful in my actions rather than just trying to get everything all done at once, which tends to lead to a path of overwhelm and a feeling of defeat. 

It allows me to build habits of mindful intentionality. It allows me to practice more and procrastinate less. It allows me to celebrate progress over perfection. It allows me to give myself a “High 5” instead of beating myself with a golden hammer. It allows me to see greater possibilities, to love myself more, and to spread more of my light of the world.

Goal > Intentions > Clarity > Systems > Mindful practice > Daily habits > Confidence > Light

What goal can you break down into mindful action steps that will ultimately allow you to freely spread more of your light to the world? Post your answer in the comments below and share how you will be more intentional when working towards your goal.