046- Want to know my word for 2024?

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It's the beginning of a new year and many of us are thinking about resolutions, goals, and aspiration to make our lives better. I don't really do resolutions. This coming year, like 2023, I've chosen to approach things a little differently. Last year was the first year I chose a "word of the year." I wrote about it HERE, if you missed it.

My word for 2024 is "INTENTION." I want to be intentional about what I do this year, both personally and professionally. Our world is full of constant distractions, and setting clear intentions becomes a powerful tool for navigating this crazy thing we call life. I came across this quote from Wayne W. Dyer's "The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way." (Full disclosure, I haven't read the book yet, but it's on my list for this year.) The quote is "When you're connected to the power of intention, everywhere you go, and everyone you meet, is affected by you and the energy you radiate."

Intention is the conscious decision to act in a certain way or achieve a specific outcome. It's the deliberate alignment of thoughts, feelings, and actions towards a purpose. In a society often driven by the pursuit of goals and external validation, focusing on intention brings attention back to the present moment and the underlying motivation behind our choices.

While goals provide a destination, intentions guide the journey. This will be a bit of a challenge for me because I tend to be a "get to the destination" person rather than a "enjoy the journey" type person. If anyone has any tips on how to work on this, send them my way. :) Setting intentions involve reflecting on our values and aligning our actions with those values. Rather than fixating solely on the outcome, I'm going to work on setting intentions in my daily life. I plan to start asking myself, each morning, what is my intention for the day.

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into autopilot, mindlessly moving from one task to another. Anyone else driven by the desire to check things off a list? Me too. By attempting to be intentional with our routines, we cultivate mindfulness. Whether it's savoring a cup of morning coffee, engaging in a work task, or spending time with loved ones, approaching each moment with intention transforms routine activities into more impactful experiences. Even though I will struggle with making this happen, I really want to improve this part of my life.

Intention extends beyond personal growth; it also shapes the way we connect with others. By approaching relationships with intention, we create space for authenticity, empathy, and understanding. Whether in personal or professional situations, setting the intention to listen actively, communicate openly, and support genuinely enriches the quality of our relationships.

While intention provides a roadmap, it's essential to embrace flexibility. Life is dynamic, and unexpected road bumps may arise. This flexibility ensures that, even in the face of change, our actions remain rooted in purpose and authenticity. As I embark on this new year guided by the word "intention," I am excited about how it will help improve my life. It's not just a resolution or a goal but a guiding approach to living. Here's to a great year of purposeful living and intentional choices. I plan to make myself proud and you should too! What are you going to do to make yourself proud?