The power of intention

While motivation and discipline often steal the spotlight in our pursuit of self-improvement, setting intentions deserves its own spotlight in the realm of daily habits. Drawing from Covey’s timeless wisdom in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” particularly “Be Proactive” and “Starting with the End in Mind,” intention setting breathes life into these principles on a daily basis.

Setting an intention each day, whether it’s focusing on your priorities, identifying your big rocks, or adopting a specific mindset, provides a significant head start towards achieving your daily objectives. A simple list of “non-negotiables” or aspirations for the day serves as a framework for cultivating this intention-setting habit. Personally, I’ve found that jotting down these intentions the night before or in the morning significantly enhances their effectiveness.

In my own journey, I’ve discovered three pillars—Movement, Meditation, and Family Connection are 3 of my touch stones for winning the morning. While I’ve experimented with additional practices like breathwork, cold/hot exposure, and journaling, these have been inconsistent, and consistency remains the key. Embracing our humanity means setting realistic expectations and acknowledging that life’s unpredictability may disrupt our routines. The key is to approach setbacks with compassion and resilience, knowing that every day offers a fresh opportunity to recommit to our habits.

A helpful hack for me has been to put my training gear out on the floor at the end of the bed each night. While habits and rituals provide structure, allowing flexibility within this framework empowers us to follow our own energy each morning. Occasionally, granting ourselves the luxury of a morning without an alarm serves as a well-deserved reward for our dedication. Personally, I’ve identified a variety of movement activities—from running and biking to swimming and golfing—that I rotate based on the season, complemented by yoga and strength training.

In addition to daily intentions, I also set weekly and 90-day plans to align my actions with my long-term goals. Do I execute them 100%, never! Do I get close, often, could I improve, always! As Timothy Gallwey aptly put it in his “inner game” books, “Performance = Potential minus Interference.” Often, the greatest obstacle to our success lies within ourselves, in our own thoughts and narratives. Intention setting serves as a powerful tool for overcoming these internal barriers and embracing our authentic selves.

Even on days when our intentions remain unfulfilled, it’s crucial to recognise that tomorrow offers a fresh opportunity for growth. Embracing life’s imperfections with grace and resilience ensures that each day becomes a steppingstone towards our highest potential.