Intentions vs Resolutions

It’s the start of a new school or work year for most of us.  In my last post, I shared how setting a clear and positive intention has yielded a fantastic year for me and my family. This year, I’m replicating my intention setting and encouraging my kids to do the same.

Setting the tone of Intentions

When you set an intention, you are setting a precedence and projecting your thoughts into the Universe a plan of action or goal that you aim or plan to achieve in a given timeframe.  Your intentions should therefore be clear, achievable and worded positively so that they are uplifting and self-motivating.

Sometimes, intentions come to you in a rush of inspiration.  Sometimes, you have to let the whiff of an intention sit with you, and like a good wine, let it brew to fruition.  I find meditation helpful, but if that is not an option in your busy life, try to find a time when it is quiet enough for you to think.  For me, it is after the kids have gone to bed for the night or in the early hours of the morning before the rest of the family wakes up.

Intention vs. Resolution

I’ve had the desire to write a book for the longest time.  For the last 10 years, writing a book has been among my many resolutions.  While I fulfilled many of my resolutions – I got my driving license (2003), started a family (2004) and travelled to several Asian countries (2005 – 2008), writing a book just didn’t happen.  And mind you, I’m one of the most goal-oriented person among my peers.  There was always something that stopped me.  I’m too busy with work, partying, travelling, a new baby…  There were more important priorities to take care of…  It’s just not the right time…

With resolutions, you declare a goal or objective you want to achieve.  You can state it most emphatically but without no a clear plan, will-power or determination to drive you to the end, the resolution will most likely falter along the way.

An intention, unlike resolutions, serves as an ignition that jumpstarts your neuro-engine.  Not only do you state the intention, but you are called to action by your intention.  And before you know it, your mind and body are conducting itself in subliminal unison to achieve the goal that you intended.

However, will-power alone is not enough.

“Will power does not last, but a ritual is gonna last you a life time,” says Anthony Robbins, NLP Guru Extraordinaire. Suffice for me to say that intention is a powerful tool to realize your dreams, I’ll let the Master Life Coach himself tell you what and how rituals can impact your path of realization.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqtYPOwdMA4&w=560&h=315]

I’ve also included this awesome video that I think may inspire you.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vN1HzujFKg&w=560&h=315]

Have a fantastic and impactful year in 2012!!

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• Bye-bye 2011. Hello 2012.