Your Intention Doesn't Match Your Action
I want to set the record straight. I believe in the power of positive thinking. I believe in the law of attraction. I set intentions. I’ve been known to do vision boards or dream boards and fill them with beautiful, peaceful pictures of nature and symbols that resonate with me.
Yes, this practical primarily left brained business coach who loves spreadsheets, cash flow and all things related to running a successful business sets an intention for the day (gratitude is today’s), journals, and spends at least 10 minutes every morning in silence with myself, eyes closed, breathing slowly. I’d like to say it’s meditation…I don’t think I’ve gotten there yet, but I continue to work on it, every day. The world is a better place when I do these things.
I also set goals. Specific, strategic, clearly defined goals that get broken down to monthly, weekly and daily actions.
I’ve read and watched The Secret and just about any other book that discusses manifestation and the law of attraction.
I’ve sat clutching cups of tea as I listened to my spiritually awake friends talk about how things just happen for them. Giving all the credit to the vision board and the picture in the magazine for what is showing up in their life.
I tend to be a curious sort and ask if that’s all they did, cut the picture, put it on the board and wait?
Poking around a bit they always smile and say, “Yes Debbie, we did take a series of incremental steps that got us to what we were seeking…….but it started with the intention.” Agreement! Just like cats and dogs can be friends the “woo” and the practical and co-exist!
They were clear about the intention, and then went about pursuing it, or clearing the way if you will, for the “thing” to find them.
The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
Use your intention setting as the laser beam to create clarity on what you desire. It can be light in the sometimes murky world we live in and it will keep you moving forward. Take action. The intention lets you stay focused while your actions get you to the destination.
You have to be clear about what you want (few people are).
The laws of the universe are conspiring to bring you what you desire. What are you doing to demonstrate through action that YOU are ready and able to receive what you are asking for?
As an example if you set the intention to acquire 3 new clients this month, write it on a goal card and pin it to the wall in your office where you see it every day. And then stay seated in your office for 30 days, with no actions. You won’t achieve your desired result.
However if you set the intention to acquire 3 new clients, write it on your goal card, pin it to the wall in your office and then intentionally take action to support that goal with things like: attend networking events where your clients are and the people who influence them are, follow up with key influencers, champions and strategic partners. Could you agree that because your actions are in alignment with your intention that you might be more likely to get those 3 new clients?
SO what is your intention for the month? What are you doing to support this intention? What actions will you take to show you are ready?
Tell me here!
Debbie Page Whitlock is a business coach and leading authority on cash flow for women entrepreneurs, and writes on all things related to creating sustainable, scalable and potentially salable businesses and other useful bits of business wisdom she’s acquired on her 20 year entrepreneurial odyssey.
