Intention Setting
Writing down a specific, creative, high-level intention each morning helps you focus and act in line with your goals.
THE IDEA
Step 2: Write Down Your Intention
For that five-minutes in the morning, think and write down your day’s intention, preferably on a journal you can use to refer to again. Your intention should be specific, creative, and a high-level dream – you should aim higher than where you are currently at.
Try to see what you want to change. If you want to improve your concentration in class, you can say, “I will have a top-notch concentration in my classes.” If you want to have a better understanding, you can set your intention to be, “I will try to use my imagination and senses to improve my understanding.”
The process of writing these down connects your mind and your intentions, which automatically enhances them even more.
When to use it
Before starting a study session, set an intention to maintain deep focus and absorb key concepts.
At the beginning of a workday, write an intention to collaborate effectively and complete a major project milestone.
Before a difficult conversation, set an intention to listen actively and communicate with empathy.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Improving Concentration
A student writes, 'I will have a top-notch concentration in my classes.'
Enhancing Understanding
Someone writes, 'I will try to use my imagination and senses to improve my understanding.'
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What is one specific, ambitious intention you can set for today that aligns with your long-term goals?
How does writing down your intention change the way you approach your daily tasks?
Reflect on yesterday's intention: Did it influence your actions? How could you make it more effective?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)