The year is disappearing fast. What did you decide you want this trip around the sun? Are you hopeful that this year will be different – or resigned to living the same experiences over and over?  What can we do to ensure sustainable change takes place?  Actually, a lot! The first step is to get out of our own way and learn to use the life-changing power of Intention.

The Trouble with Resolutions

Most of us were raised to believe that setting clear goals and resolving to achieve them (no matter what!) is the key to success. We commit in a fit of enthusiasm, setting out to force ourselves to do what we think we should to achieve what we think we want. But how’s that really been working?  Resolutions and goal setting alone rarely create sustainable change. Why is that?

In his book Power vs. Force, Dr. David R. Hawkins provides some insight: “Because force automatically creates counter-force, its effect is limited by definition.” Whether we’re trying to force circumstances to line up with our goals or trying to force ourselves to stick to resolutions we’re consistently dealing with counter-force.  No wonder it’s tough!

Defaulting to force vs. directing our power is one of several factors at play. The energy behind the vow wields tremendous influence. Unfortunately we frequently make resolutions from an energetic position of lack:  wanting to be something or somewhere we aren’t. We’re not so much trying to BE something as we are trying NOT to be something else.  Yet research has shown we cannot focus on two opposing thoughts at the same time. This means we are either focused on what we want, or on what we don’t want – an important point because life unfolds in the direction of our focus.

The Power of Intention

While resolutions stem from our human-level self (intellect or emotions) intention comes from our essential nature, which accesses an energy source beyond our physical selves. The Institute of Noetic Sciences’ President & CEO Dr. Marilyn Mandala Schlitz defines intention as “the projection of awareness, with purpose and efficacy, toward some object or outcome.” Based in awareness, intention carries with it dynamic creative power and inspiration. It stems from our inner yearnings,  not from external input. Author Lynne McTaggert and a team of leading scientists from  several renowned universities are exploring this power through The Intention Experiment. Says McTaggert, “Intention appears to be something akin to a tuning fork, causing the tuning forks of other things in the universe to resonate at the same frequency.” She goes on to say that intention is not a unique gift but rather a teachable skill.  Dr. Wayne Dyer says “Intention is a force in the Universe, and everything and everyone is connected to this invisible force.” We at Be Intentional completely agree – everyone has the ability to learn to live intentionally.

Ongoing research indicates that our state of mind directly influences our life and that clearly set, focused intention can result in amazing and lasting change.  We can learn to reach beyond our limited, conditioned thinking and access desires that resonate with who we really are. And as Wayne Dyer puts it in Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life, “When you’re in touch with the energy of your origin you offer the world your authentic intelligence, talents, and behaviors. ” There are many resources available to support us in creating and living a life of intention and leaving our old default lives behind.  Books, DVD’s, CD’s and other products are readily available on sites like Amazon,  Hay House, Sounds True. Seminars are available through numerous organizations, including many of the resources mentioned above. And individual coaching, small groups, and workshops that support intentional living are available from Be Intentional.

So, what do you really want?  Set a powerful intention, and step into a powerful new way of living!

by Kathy Young

When setting an intention, we focus our attention on the what without being attached to the “how”. We’ll explore that more later…