The Power of Intention
Awareness, Commitment, and the Path to Thriving
There are moments in life when a revealing, though not very comfortable, insight appears.
It is almost as if life is holding up a mirror and we see ourselves—or our lives—more clearly than usual. We notice where we are, perhaps even how we got here. Reflected might be the distance between our current reality and what we truly want for ourselves.
Perhaps we are not satisfied with ourselves, our circumstances, or the effects of choices we have made. We suddenly recognize a gap between where we are and where we would like to be.
Many years ago, I heard a line in a Moody Blues song that stayed with me: “Just what you want to be, you’ll be in the end.” I have often reflected on those words.
If there is truth in them, how does it actually work? What do we need to do in order to become more of who we wish to be?
Sometimes dissatisfaction comes from judging ourselves or measuring ourselves against an ideal. Other times, it comes from a deeper realization that we are not fully engaged with our own lives. We may feel unrealized or unfulfilled because we know there is more within us waiting to be expressed.
The first step is awareness.
We need to take a bit of quiet time to identify what we truly want.
As I often suggest, stepping away from constant activity creates space. In that space, we are able to gain a wider view—a different perspective—of where we are in relation to where we would like to be. We can begin to see more clearly what changes might be needed and whether we are genuinely prepared to make them.
We might also ask ourselves: Do I currently have the capacity? Do I have the time, energy, emotional availability and commitment needed to bring about the change I say I want?
Sometimes the desire is there, but the capacity is not—at least not yet.
This is where intention enters the picture. Intention is more that wishing. It is a quiet but powerful commitment to move in a particular direction.
When considering change, I find it helpful to ask three questions:
Am I ready? Timing is always a factor. Sometimes we understand what needs to change long before we are prepared to act. The fact that we are contemplating the change suggests that something within us is ready to move in a new direction.
Am I willing? Are we emotionally available to take on the task? Are we willing to make the adjustments, compromises, practicing of new habits, or letting go of old patterns?
Am I able? Do we currently have the resources, support, energy, or knowledge/insight needed to move forward? If not, what would help us become more able?
The strength of our intention often determines whether we continue when the path becomes challenging. To be honest: It is likely that at some point it will be challenging. It is new, after all.
And what if we work at it and fall short? That question matters. Nothing in life is guaranteed.
Too often, we interpret setbacks as failure when they may simply be part of the process of growth. Every sincere effort teaches us something, if we allow it to. Sticking with it is key. Every step provides information. Every attempt increases awareness.
What we tell ourselves along the way is extremely important.
Our mind—our thoughts, beliefs, and expectations—influences the body. If we constantly tell ourselves that we are failing, the nervous system responds accordingly. If we choose instead to view ourselves as learning, growing, and moving forward one step at a time, the body responds differently
Real change rarely happens overnight. It happens through awareness, intention, commitment and practice—again and again until it becomes a positive habit.
Balance, harmony and joy are not destinations we arrive at once and for all. They are qualities we cultivate through the choices we make every day.
That is what Thriving means.
The question is not whether change is possible. (in truth, it cannot be stopped!)
The question is: How strong is your commitment to your intention? Intention sets the direction, Commitment keeps us walking the path.
What intention is asking for your attention right now? If you’d like support bringing more balance, harmony, and joy into your life, I offer a free 20-minute conversation
