When we recently wrote about mindfulness, we discussed how it was closely related to the power of intention too. Which got us thinking – even though it sometimes seems like discussion on and about “intention” has been worn out – there may still be some people who don’t fully understand or grasp the power of intention and what it can mean to your life. As such – if there is even one person reading who falls into that camp – it makes discussing this amazing concept one more time, still important.
The power of intention – besides being one of the key elements in the Law of Attraction – can also be a huge key to obtaining high levels of focus and achievement.
The late Dr. Wayne Dyer wrote an amazing book on this idea, aptly named, “The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way.” In this work, as Amazon says, “He transforms conventional thinking about making things happen in our lives into a profound understanding of how each person possesses the infinite potential and power to co-create the life he or she desires.” (If you haven’t read this book, we highly recommend it!)
On his website, under the Power of Intention page, a beautiful image of Dr. Dyer asks, “Do You Want to Learn Wayne’s 3 Keys to Creating Miracles In Your Life?”
Miracles?! Simply from understanding and using the power of intention? Wow. That’s a big statement, right? Sure, its. But what if it’s true?
Deepak Chopra contends in an article titled, “5 Steps to Harness the Power of Intention,” that intention is, “The starting point of every dream. It is the creative power that fulfills all of our needs, whether for money, relationships, spiritual awakening, or love.”
He goes on to say that everything that happens begins with intention. Think about it… if you want to go into business for yourself – to become an entrepreneur – no matter what your offering will be, or how you will offer it, it starts with an intention. NOTHING can happen without some sort of intention—even if it’s an intention to avoid – or not do – something.
Chopra also tells us that the sages of India observed – 1000’s of years ago – that our entire destiny is shaped by our deepest dreams and (yes, you guessed it) our intention. He explains, “The classic Vedic text known as the Upanishads declares, “You are what your deepest desire is. As your desire is, so is your intention. As your intention is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.”
Yet, he adds, intention is like seeds you spread in your garden. If you do not nurture those seeds – and purposefully grow them – they will not take hold and flourish. Likewise, if you do not set your intention and then purposefully attend to it – taking the necessary steps to make it grow – it will not flourish.
So, how do you do that? How do you grow your intention?
Not only does setting your intention help your focus and achievement, focus and achievement help to support your intention.
Here are 4 simple ways you can nurture your intentions to achieve great focus and achieve more of the goals and dreams you have for your life:
1. Practice mindfulness through meditation and yoga.
Mr. Chopra calls this “slipping into the gap.” He explains that there is this place between consciousness and unconsciousness – the “gap” – where it becomes easier to focus and put greater attention on your goals and dreams. He adds that this is where you plant the seeds of your intention
2. Release your intentions in faith.
When you ask, know that it is done. Think of it this way – the only reason you would continually ask for something that you want is if you didn’t trust that you would receive it, the first time you asked. Trusting that your intentions will come to pass is a huge factor in that happening. Demonstrate your trust in the process by setting your intention and then letting go of the “how” and “why” they will – or any fear that they won’t – happen.
3. Stay mindful.
Keep your focus on your intention, in all you say and do, but without fear. Don’t let yourself be influenced by the opinions, attitudes, and beliefs of others. What do they matter anyway? Just because someone may doubt that your goals or dreams will come to pass doesn’t make them right. Stay centered and don’t listen to the naysayers.
4. Don’t get tied to the details.
Similar to #2 above, let go of how your intentions will be satisfied—how they will come to pass. This part isn’t your job. Just know that they will come to pass. Have faith in the outcome but be flexible regarding the journey.
