Focus on intention
Posted on January 29, 2011 by Fern Weis, One of Thousands of Family Coaches on Noomii.
Start your day with positive thoughts of what you want, instead of negative thoughts about what you don't want. You'll manifest your best.
As parents, our efforts seem to go almost exclusively into our children. Who is missing in this equation? You are. As we begin the new year, let’s pay some much-needed attention to the first and most important person you speak to every day – YOU. Most of you know the analogy made to flying on a plane: in an emergency, put the oxygen mask on yourself before attempting to help others. Well, it is time to listen to and strengthen you – not just you the parent, but you the person.
Business strategist and coach Annetta Wilson wrote, “You are the first person you communicate with each day. Your first thoughts set the stage for whether you spend the day making a difference, marking time, or making a mess.” That’s a pretty strong statement. How does it apply to you? Think about it for a moment. What goes through your mind before your feet even hit the floor? How does it set the tone for your day?
Speaking for myself, it takes a conscious effort to begin the day with something positive. Too often my first thoughts are of the challenges that are anticipated for the day. My mind runs down the list of work and family-related responsibilities and things needing to be fixed. There is a level of discomfort that comes with this kind of thinking. Rather than beginning the day with thoughts of obligation and preventive measures, I am building the habit of thoughts of intention — to help me create the positive and productive emotions and events of my ideal day.
Become aware of your first thoughts. And when you are, make a shift to positive thinking. Envision how you would like your day to be. Think it, and say it aloud. This is called ‘setting the intention.” You might say, “I completed all my errands with time to spare,” or “I resolved the problem with the insurance company calmly.” If it is about an issue with a loved one it might sound like, “I spoke to my spouse/partner about what was bothering me. I expressed myself clearly, without judgment, and feel that I was understood.”
You have the power to make a difference in your own life. Shift from what you dread to what you desire. A new reality begins with you and the small step you take as you open your eyes and heart to each new day.
Take Action: Give yourself five minutes when you first wake up to set your intention for the day. Choose one thing that is a source of stress for that day. Write down the ideal resolution of that issue and how you will feel when it is resolved. Say it out loud, and keep the written intentions with you for reinforcement during the day.
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