As good as it is to have set intentions, it can mean nothing without a plan and some structure. Otherwise, it is just an idea or dream.
Having these guiding principles helps to keep focus on what matters most.
Before we go crazy with some elaborate plan, I want you to start simple. Choose 1 simple thing you want to focus on to start your plan. If you try to do too much, you are going to feel overwhelmed and give up. Trust me. I have been there.
So, let’s start simple. I will use myself as an example to show how I will begin putting my intentions into action.
Let’s focus on how I want to Show Up for myself. I have a feeling that this one might resonate with some of you.
I want to be fully present for what I commit to. To really show up physically, mentally and emotionally.
Alright. Let’s start here. I don’t know about you but life is very distracting. Between all the devices we have, I feel something or someone is always wanting my attention.
I can’t tell you how many times I have sat in meetings or been to dinner with friends and watch people completely disengage from the present moment because of a buzz on their wrist or phone. Like Pavlov’s dogs salivating. We just CAN’T wait to see what that buzz is about.
I am totally guilty of this which is why this is something I want to tackle.
One simple step is to put my phone on silent or in another room completely when I want to be fully present with someone or whatever it is that I am working on. I know. This one step alone can have a big impact.
I want to consistently take care of my body and mind.
I am specifically referencing regular exercise, balanced diet and regular meditation practice. Raise your hand if any of these 3 are on your list. I see you.
These end up on my list every year. Why? Because it can be harder than it sounds. Here is my one simple thing to start the year.
For exercise, I want to do something 4 days a week. That can be a yoga practice, a good walk, a series of deep stretching or simply a set of cardio exercises. Whatever it is, I commit to moving my body 4 days a week. Each week, I will decide on the days that work best as my weeks don’t always look the same. This will allow me to be flexible and choose something that will work for me at that time.
For my diet, I tend to practice the Julia Child philosophy of moderation. I never say no to things I want. My goal for the start of the year is to be more mindful of my choices especially after this holiday season. Just being aware of what I am stuffing in my mouth is a huge step in practicing moderation. I am using the Fitness Pal app (not an ad just what I use) to help me keep track. Knowledge is humbling and quite powerful.
For meditation, I believe that small changes can make a big difference. For now, I plan to start each day with gratitude for the day to come and end the day with a recounting of what I was most grateful for during the day. Notice this isn’t what most people consider meditation, but it applies. It is about increasing my mindfulness each day and paying attention to the present. Most importantly, it is about slowing down and expressing gratitude for what is going well. It is a simple and powerful step.
Make time to just have fun and play.
When life gets busy, as it always does, having fun and just playing falls to the wayside. The truth is that these activities are usually what we all need to sustain the strains of life. We all get so wrapped up in To Do lists that sometimes we forget that there is tremendous power in doing nothing.
I have already scheduled blocks on my calendar. I hate to say it, but this is what I have to do. If it isn’t coming naturally it is absolutely okay to start with some structure. I have labelled this time Daydreaming. And that is what I plan to do. Daydream. Knit. Read. Draw. Whatever creative, fun thing I am most feeling at that time. It is non-negotiable for me this year.
Again, it is not about grand plans. It is simple, small steps. Each and every day.
It all adds up to big change.
What about you? What is one simple action you can take to put your intentions into action?
Until next time…
Kimberly
