What feels more amazing then setting your sights on an aspiration, creating a plan, and then slaying your way to success? There might be a few things, but this simple pleasure in life is one of my most enjoyable feelings to experience. There is one itty, bitty, teeny, weeny thing which has massive impact to your intentions and goals. Any ideas what it might be? Words! Yep, seriously. Your words. #9 on my list of life’s lessons is ‘Writing goals and intentions down is magic! Do it, be precise, and watch shit get real, real quick.” Clearly you’re seeing the connection here. In order to write intentions or goals words must be used to do so.
In past blogs I’ve shared how important and helpful writing intentions down is for making them come to fruition. I’ve also shared a format and worksheet which may be useful to get started. The one thing I have not discussed is the strategies used to make your intentions as successful as possible. Lets examine how to make words work toward your success.
One of the first things you want to be cognizant of is stating things in a positive way. The energy of stating something you’re moving away from is very different than the energy of stating something you’re moving toward. For instance, I would have a very different outcome if I set an intention to ‘gain five new clients this month’ than I would if I set an intention to ‘not continue to see the same number of clients I currently have’. You can see the first example is specific, and I am moving toward it. The second statement is more ambiguous and is something I am trying to move away from. But due to the ambiguity I may see fewer clients this month rather than more because fewer is still different than maintaining the same number of clients. Is it not? Positive and well defined aspirations are essential to creating a favorable outcome!
Word selection is also key with being precise. Using words which do not indicate commitment will not bring you the success you desire. Words such as probably, maybe, might, should, and perhaps for example do not indicate you are fully committed to the cause. You have to be in it to win it to achieve it. Make certain the words you use align with your zest, determination, and all around rockstar ability to handle the task at hand. This one was pivotal for me. I was entirely unaware of my wishy washy wording until someone pointed it out to me. Once I began listening to the words coming out of my mouth, I found myself consistently stopping to correct myself until I fell into alignment with my innate stubborn-as-a-mule-going-to-make-it-happen-come-hell-or-high-water attitude (channeling Grandpa Finley on that saying and also the stubbornness too). For the record…I, by no means, am endorsing a sheer force of will, stubborn as all get out approach as a recommended way to achieve your goals.
I am adamant about having authentic posts which are created by my own research and thoughts. However, as you already know I am also equally adamant about working smarter not harder. I suggest you visit this website which offers really solid tips on the best way to write an intention statement, including how to handle the inner critic when it visits. My only warning is Katherine Hurst, the author, is not team oxford comma. If this one simple issue grinds your gears then please do some independent research instead, and rest assured all blogs written by yours truly will include the oxford comma. (For those of you unfamiliar with the oxford comma feel free to google it, giggle at my nerd status, and then let me know which team you are on!)
I am so deeply passionate about the belief and extent of which words matter, I am becoming certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (the study of excellent communication with yourself and with others using tools and techniques to create an attitude and methodology of knowing how to achieve your goals). I am looking forward to sharing what I’m learning soon as well as putting it into practice! In the meantime, keep defining and working toward those intentions. Thanks for stopping by.
Go team oxford comma!
Peace & Love,
Janessa