Moving Forward with Intention

At the beginning of each year, I try to carve out some meaningful time for intention setting.  

This process has taken different forms over the years…from a deep examination of what I’m here to contribute next, to a list of things for which I’m grateful, to a quick list of resolutions.

Try this: Strengthen focus and intention

A technique that’s become a favorite of mine for several years now involves imagining I’m packing for a trip and responding to the following questions.

As you travel forward…

What do you want to continue carrying with you?

What will you leave behind that no longer serves you?

What new items can you pack that will support what’s ahead?

This simple process has produced profound insights. It helps me step out of auto-pilot and examine things—such as relationships, self-care practices, habits, assumptions, biases, etc.—in a much more conscious way. It ultimately helps me start the new year with a fresh perspective and clear intention.

This type of examination can be useful on a regular basis—annually, monthly, weekly or even daily. It can also be a great way to step forward with intention during key milestones—a new job, an empty nest, a relationship change.

Exploration Questions:

• How could this process be helpful for you?

• How can you keep your packing list fresh and relevant?

• What will help you stay accountable for what you’ve chosen to keep/remove/add?