Blog Post
While optimism can be helpful, positive thinking alone is rarely enough to create meaningful change.
In fact, sometimes it can pull us away from what needs our attention most.
Positive thinking can help us shift perspective, but it cannot resolve, nor does it address, the very things that require our attention.
The difficult conversation may still need to be had.
The boundary may still need to be set.
The grief may still need to be acknowledged.
The decision may still need to be made.
The very thing that requires our attention remains.
What changes the experience is deciding what we choose to do about it.
Positive thinking may help us feel momentarily better, but it doesn’t change the circumstance itself.
Intentions Create Direction
Intentions are different.
An intention is not a wish. It is not a hope and it is not a statement about how you want to feel.
An intention is a decision about what you want to do.
Intentions create direction.
They guide our choices.
Positive thinking says:
“Today is going to be a great day.”
An intention says:
“Today I will have the conversation.”
“Today I will set the boundary.”
“Today I will take one step forward.”
Intentions guide our choices and prompt us to consider the “how”.
We shift from awareness to action.
Change Happens Through Action
Consider the intentions above and ask yourself:
How will I make this happen (within my control)?
If your intention is:
“Today will be a great day.”
Perhaps it means going for a walk before work.
Perhaps it means setting a boundary.
Perhaps it means distancing yourself from people, situations, or habits that drain your energy.
An intention without follow-through is simply an idea.
Action turns intention into change.
Ready to put intentions into practice?
Download the Intentions Practice Guide below.