The second of five Principles outlined in The Athena Principles, Simple Wellness Practices for Overworked Professionals is intention defined as a way to help us aim, set direction and connect emotionally to what we want – it’s the heart-based “Why” behind the urge to transform.

What’s the difference between a goal, and all of its synonyms, and an intention?

A goal is defined as “the end toward which effort is directed.” Goals are future-oriented and focused on achievement. They reflect how we want to show up at a later date in our outer world.

An intention is defined as “a determination or resolve to act in a certain way.” Intentions are rooted in the present and focused on living in alignment with beliefs and values. They reflect how we feel in our inner world.

The reason why most New Year’s resolutions fail is that they are usually goal-driven, with a focus on results and external rewards. Often, resolutions are not aligned with a strong internal desire, but instead with a sense of what should be done or wanted. The mindset of “succeed or fail” further adds stress to an already taxing behavioral change – which ultimately leads to failure.

Intentions are more forgiving. They honor the effort expended and the process embarked upon. They are designed for long-term change, as they are connected to the authentic self and, most importantly, contain the “Why” behind the desired change. And since they connect with our sense of worthiness, intentions lend themselves to self- compassionate action.

When a person looks to make a change, it’s often because the change is something:

· They feel they should do (sign up for yoga, go to the gym, meditate)

· That’s not good for them (obsessively checking their phone/social media, smoking, excessive drinking, emotional eating)

· They are avoiding (clearing clutter, doctor’s visit, difficult discussion with their partner).

Of course, these are all very good reasons to implement change, but real change takes time. Some popular, oft-quoted research indicates it takes 21 days for a habit to shift, although recent findings show it takes closer to 66 days for a change to take hold. Two plus months is a long time to stay motivated without a driving force.

Your “Why” keeps you going when you’re feeling depleted, frustrated or tired. Your “Why” allows you to identify what’s at stake for you personally if you don’t make the change. Your “Why” is your deep motivation – your call to action. It clarifies how you want to show up in the world. Once you know your “Why,” the path forward (what, how, when, where, with whom) becomes more apparent. Be flexible and realize there are a variety of routes to get to your intended outcome.

Intentions (“Why”) are seeds of creation, providing clarity to point you in the right direction to attain what you most desire. They allow you to focus on what matters most and release what no longer serves to make space for what’s on its way to you.

Intentions do not have to be grand. You can create how you want to feel when you wake, go to work, spend time with your family and friends, contribute to the community, nurture yourself and lay your head down at night. Conversely, you can dream big and act in accordance with your deepest desires and emulate the qualities you admire. This is a fluid and ongoing process.

You can live deliberately and authentically, gently moving toward the person you want to become, enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

I will continue sharing the book’s key concepts with you through blogs posted on the 1st and 15th of the month through September. You can sign up for blog post alerts below and get a free download of The Athena Principles framework and action plan at https://athenawellness.com/actionplan

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“The Athena Principles” Intention – Principle 2 (Fourth in a Series)