Day 2: Set One Intention

Now let's get down to basics, and examine what it means to set an intention. An intention is defined as "a determination to act in a certain way; resolve; to reach a firm decision about."

Some writers define an intention as an aim or goal, but intentions aren't the same as goals: 

Goals are a plan for the future that help us stay on track with who we are becoming. 

Intentions are a proposal for the present that remind us of who we are now, and how we want to be in the world. Intentions remind us of our deepest, most essential, most passionate reasons for living.

Take out your journal and a pen and set one intention:

• Ask yourself, "What one thing could I do today that would move me in the direction of what seems like the highest priority in my life, and my most essential reasons for living?"

Or ask, like Ben Franklin did every morning, "What good shall I do this day?"

Go ahead and write down anything that pours into your head, whether it's big, small, practical or crazy.

• When you have chosen one action, or way of being, that impacts or moves you towards what seems like the highest priority in your life, ask yourself, "What is my deepest reason behind this action? Why do I want to do it?" Dig as deep as you can, to find the juicy, life-changing, world-saving reason that is pushing you.

• Write out your intention, using the action + deepest reason model.

For example, I might say "I intend to get messy and paint with my grandson ... because teaching art and art processes is one method that I know to open a kid's eyes to a panorama of creative possibility, and I intend to save the world one kid at a time."

Or "Today I intend to listen to understand ... to show respect, build community, and expand my thinking ... because being close-minded is no longer an option for me if I want to become a wise person."

Setting daily intentions will help you reach your goals, because intentions allow you to stay aware of the values and principles that guide you and inspire you. When you remember the deepest, most passionate reasons for the daily actions you want to take, you will find inspiration and motivation to grow as a person, and achieve your priorities in life.