How Being Intentional Makes You Happy

"Inspiration does not beget action. Action begets inspiration." - Chinese Proverb

This proverb succinctly sums up the power of intention. Nothing happens, nothing changes without intended action.

An intention can best be described as an aim guiding an action. What you intend, what you truly focus your energy on, will in some form be realized. The thought alone will not make the intention come true--rather, the outcome will be influenced by your desire combined with action steps, small or large. Clear, achievable intentions lead to transformation.

When you are clear on your intentions, your expectations become realistic and achievable. That leads to less disappointment and more happiness. How many times have you found yourself wishing you'd done things differently? That party you planned just didn't come off exactly as you'd hoped. Your presentation did not have the desired effect. Your holiday was fun but it was not all you had hoped it would be.

If you want things to turn out in your favor start becoming more intentional. Here are three ways to support you to take intended action.

1. Know What You Want
As Steven Covey says "start with the end in mind." Whenever you are about to embark on new adventure ask yourself what you want it to look like. Get a clear picture in your mind. If you are thinking about booking your next holiday visualize what you truly desire... the location, the weather, the experience, the connections with people and how you will spend your time. Ask yourself, "What is my overall intention for this vacation."

2. Take Action
Knowing what you want is only half the equation. You must strike a plan to make it happen. If your intention is to have a relaxing, sun-filled vacation with your family, you need to share this vision with your family and take the desired steps to make it a reality. It is important to list the actions items that must take place. Then start checking them off, one by one... with some help, of course.

3. Solicit Support
Whatever you've got planned for you and/or your family, make sure you resist the urge to take on all the action steps yourself. In fact, be intentional about not doing it all. If your ideal family vacation has been imagined and the steps that need to be taken to realize it listed, then now's the time to get the right support to execute your plan. Maybe you need a travel agent, maybe your partner can research hotels, maybe the kids can start packing their bags. The point is to share the load and everyone becomes inspired and happier as a result.

Lisa Martin, PCC (Professional Certified Coach), is the author of Briefcase Moms: 10 Proven Practices to Balance Working Mothers' Lives. She lives what she writes and talks about. A working mother with 20 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, she is the founder and president of Briefcase MomsŪ, an international coaching and personal development company with a mission to "make it easier for working mothers to live balanced and successful lives." She helps professionals, executives and entrepreneurs succeed in all areas of their lives- career, family and personal fulfillment. Subscribe to her free newsletter at: http://www.briefcasemoms.com

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