The Power of Intention to Achieve Goals

Do you try to meet multiple goals and objectives at the same time, but always give up before you reach them? One of the keys lies in the intention.

The human being aspires to self-realization since this is one of his basic needs. To achieve it, we set goals and objectives that we work towards as we grow personally. However, on multiple occasions our desires and attempts are frustrated and we give up halfway. If this happens to you often, intention can become your best ally.

How many times have you set out to be more patient, more tolerant, physically fit, or (simply) feel happier? And how many times have these goals seemed unattainable to you and have you given up on the effort to achieve them?

There is no single factor that explains this phenomenon that we all face at some point; but, without a doubt, the lack of a clear intention is one of the main reasons.

What is intention?

The word intention can be ambiguous and confusing. Sometimes we use it as a synonym for a vague and diffuse idea that we intend to implement in the distant and uncertain future. For example, when we affirm: I intend to lead a healthier life. This is not the definition we will use in the following lines. The intention that concerns us today is one that reflects a firm and the unwavering decision that is taken from conviction. A statement of intent.

The main difference that separates the two previous concepts is the personal position from which the intention is realized, the place where the force and impulse come from: from within or from without. Think about it for a moment, how many of the goals you set for yourself actually arise from your inner desire and how many are motivated by external social pressure?

This is one of the main elements that make us fail to achieve our goals. When a person acts moved by his own internal conviction it is much easier for him to persevere and be able to overcome obstacles than if he has embarked on others' obligations or imposition on the route. In short, the intention is the difference between, for example, "I have to be more sociable" (because others dictate it) and "I will be more sociable" (because I want to be).

How can intention help you achieve your goals?

Intention can help you achieve short-term goals, such as not complaining about a day or practising gratitude for a week. But it can also be used to make a longer and more meaningful change. The main ways in which declaring an intention can bring you closer to your goals are the following:

• It assists you in defining and remembering a certain goal. The simple fact of deciding to make a change and express it out loud or in writing centres us and propels us towards that goal.
• The intention to achieve a purpose allows us to identify more clearly the thoughts, emotions and actions that are in accordance with it and which are not. In this way, it is easier to recognize when we are incurring in "wrong" attitudes (which take us away from the objective) and redirect us.
• In the same way, it is easier to become aware of all the advances, improvements and achievements, however small. Celebrating one's own successes and self-reinforcing by the fulfilment of small sub-goals is essential to not abandon the purpose.
• The internal intention serves as a source of self-motivation. As a result, when challenges or hurdles arise, the person is better able to persevere and remain cheerful and focused on the goal.

Sacrifice is not the only way

The main advantage offered by intention is that, by acting moved by a genuine inner desire, the sensations of external pressure and imposition disappear. In this way, the process becomes much lighter, more pleasant and rewarding. Sacrifice is replaced by motivation and suffering by learning.

Thus, use the power of intention whenever you want to get a goal or make a change. You can start with simple, affordable goals; for example: in the morning, when you wake up, declare your intention to have a positive mood during that day.

You will notice how your mind begins to work with you to help you attain your goals. But, above all, find your own reasons to work on that purpose, change the "must" to the "I want" and you will live the experience in a more fluid way.