Three ways to set monthly intentions (that actually work)

Have you seen my nails recently? Unlikely, but if you had you’d be so impressed! I am a life-long nail biter and really struggle to curb this particular bad habit. As a calligrapher I’m always filming my hands, or demonstrating with pens in workshops so I’m fairly conscious of my hands and nails. 

At the start of September I ran a free monthly intention setting workshop. And I set my own intentions too. One of the intentions I had was to stop biting my nails - and I actually did it! I have often set myself goals and promised myself I’d stop biting them - and it never works. Anything that’s become a habit, is naturally hard to stop. That’s great for setting intentions to start something, but what about something you don’t want to do anymore?

I’ll explain exactly how to do it in this blog (and you can click here or sign up to hear about upcoming workshops). The magic comes right at the end…

Intentions vs Goals

I love this definition: “A goal is about achieving a specific outcome, whereas an intention is about setting a specific mindset or feeling” - Georgie, Init4thelongrun

So the premise of an intention releases the pressure of achieving an actual outcome, but focuses on how the result would make us feel. How we get there is completely flexible. 

The intention setting set up! 

So how do we actually get going? Well I like a bit of space, and ideally no distractions so I can really think through my intentions and tune into what I want.

I use my free monthly intention map (click here to get yours), and settle at the kitchen table with a pencil, candle and warm drink.

I like to start with a short mindful moment or meditation to reduce the buzz of the day. To drop in a space where I can hear my thoughts and an able to process what my intentions are. To tune in, you might say.

I’m now ready to explore how I want certain aspects of my life to feel, what my intentions are for each area I’m thinking about.

1. Let’s start with the home

‘I want my home to feel…’ this is where I think about the physical environment that I’m living in. But also that sense of family, or those relationships that bring you home. This could even be your relationship with your friends, family, partner, children, or yourself. Focusing on the feeling or mindset I intend to have I write down words, phrases or sentences on my map.

2. What does work look like?

‘I want my work to feel…’ here’s where I think about my job, my career. But it could be a role that you play or any you do to contribute to the wider community or within your home. Again, focusing on the feeling or mindset I intend to have I write down words, phrases or sentences on my map.

3. Setting affirmations for the month ahead

This is a chance to think about what you need in the month ahead. These could be any words or phrases that come to mind. Focusing on any words or a sentence that underlines/affirms what I feel really anchors my intentions I write down anything that stands out for me.

What else?

There’s plenty more to set intentions around, like kicking - and kick-starting - habits, creating more time - for others, and for you!

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The magic to making intentions actually work

So we’ve set our intentions, now what? The three things that make all the difference when I set is:

• Put it up - somewhere I can see it regularly. Subconsciously, seeing the sheet, my mind connects to the intentions I set

• Extract the words - read aloud or copy them out to really reinforce the intentions. Get your pens out calligraphers!

• Review. Always take a moment to reflect before you set more intentions. What intentions made an impact? What intentions have changed?

For more on my workshops, to collaborate or work with me please do get in touch.