Why is it important to set an intention for the day? There are multiple answers to this simple question. Us humans are often running on “auto-pilot”, to get us through the day. We get up, have our morning routine, go to work, and then do all the necessary stuff do get back to bed, and do it all over again. In this default setting, it is then really difficult to actually get to explore the different parts of ourselves and what we could be capable of doing, or find different and more effective ways of doing what we already do.
What are the benefits of setting an intention for the day?
If we set an intention for the day, we then have a guideline of the things that are important to us and are thus more capable of finding ways to get them done. Think of that thing that you have been wanting to do for some time, but never actually got the time to do it. Then you find yourself at the end of the day thinking about it and promising yourself that you will do it the next day.
Sometimes we can actually get the thing done the next day, as we promised ourselves the night before, but most times it gets all forgotten throughout the business of the day and we then find ourselves in this circle all over again. When you set a goal for the day, it is more clear in your mind and you will subconsciously try harder to get to do this thing in the day, and are more likely to get it done.
It is more than just a promise that we tell ourselves right before drifting to sleep, it is a mission that you are set to accomplish.
How to set an intention for the day
I would say, that the best way to do this is to write it in your agenda or diary in the early part of the day. If you have a very busy morning and are happy that you get to brush your teeth and take a shower in the morning, it will be maybe better if you do it on the way to work, if you take public transportation. Otherwise, you can also do it at work, for example when your computer is just starting and warming up, so it doesn’t interrupt your workflow (if you work at an office, of course).
Get a journal to write it down
If you have a more relaxed morning routine (which I would strongly recommend), then you might probably find the time to do it while eating your breakfast. Just take out your journal and write the headline, which can be the current date, and then write the things that you wish to get done in the day.
Of course, it is important to be realistic, not to write 10 things that take 2 hours each, while you also have to take care of the household, work, etc. It is important to remember that even adding just one thing that is out of the ordinary will make a difference. It won’t seem that overwhelming and you will feel like you can actually get it done.
You can be as specific as you want. If you just want to get an overview of the most important goals of the day, you can write only those. It can be a numerical list if you wish to do them in a specific order, it can also be a “snake” where you write the plan of the day on one line (or more) with little arrows in between them. The design is totally up to you. The most important thing is that you understand it and see it clearly in your mind. This leads us to the next big step.
Try to visualize the activities
Try to see the things that you have written down in your mind, as you read through your list again. Once you are done writing, just go through the things one after another and imagine how you go about them in your day. Try to see it as clearly as possible. This will prepare your brain and mind for when you actually do these things and it will feel more natural.
After this, you can close your journal and continue with your day, with a clearer image of your mission for that day. This will have a positive effect on the choices that you will take during that day, and it will be easier to inhibit more healthy habits.
I have personally been doing this technique on and off, but I will try to stick to it now, as I see, that it really has a positive impact on my life. I am more focused and able to prioritize better what is important and what is not as important.
Hopefully, you will take something great out of this article and give try to writing a summary of your days, to see, how it can truly benefit your life. Have a wonderful day, feel free to share and let me know in the comments, what is your opinion on this technique and how it has impacted you if you have tried it.
