'Tis the season . . . to be setting new year's resolutions! Groan, we know, right?! That being said, we're not focusing on resolutions, per se, but new year's intentions. Along with spritzing on our favorite Infinite Collection fragrance, we've really been getting into looking words up in Merriam-Webster's online dictionary (random, we know, but completely fun!). Their definition of intention is: "what one intends to do or bring about." We love that end part - what one intends to bring about. Since it's the perfect time, we've concocted a fabulous #mondaymantra for this last Monday in 2023 to help your bring about the things you desire in 2024! So, take a deep breath and repeat: I set and plan out realistic, achievable intentions for the future.
Here's the thing, resolutions are just a specific goal (or more) written down on paper. With intentions you're writing down what you intend to do, but also how you are going to bring it about, which is why our mantra focuses on setting a goal, but also on creating a plan to bring it about. So, take a deep breath and repeat to yourself: "I set and plan out realistic, achievable intentions for the future." OK, we can hear your brain starting to allow in negative thoughts, freak out, and ask, "But what's the first step to doing all of this?" No worries, spritz on your fav Infinite Collection fragrance for a little confidence boost, and let's get started!
How to Set Strong Intentions
Let's hop to it and set intentions! First, find a space that is quiet and comfortable, whatever that means to you. Take a few deep breaths, clear your mind, and reflect on this: What do you truly want to achieve in 2024? You need to be deliberate and focused; as a starting point think about your core values, about your long-term goals, about new habits and the kind of life you want to create. Now, on a sticky note or piece of paper, write down these intentions.
Still unsure of what we're talking about? Here are some examples of intentions:
- If you'd like to lessen stress, perhaps something like this: Engage in daily stress-relief practices
- If you'd like to learn something, write something like this: Explore new hobbies for creativity.
- If you'd like to grow relationships, how about: Schedule quality time with loved ones.
- If there is something at work you'd like to set an intention for, try this: Acquire new skills for career growth.
These are just a few ideas to get you started on setting your own, clear intentions. Now, once you've set a clear goal and written it down, we've got to look at the plan, about how you're going to bring it about.
How to Bring Your Intentions About
So, this is the hard part—making it happen. We're not going to leave you hanging! Our mission at Ilsa Fragrances is to empower you to believe in yourself and all you can do, and we strive to give you the tools to do it (all while smelling amazing, of course!). A great way to achieve your new year's intentions? Small steps! Let's take the first intention above, Engage in daily stress-relief practices, and plan out how we could bring this about:
- When I wake up in the morning I will take three long, slow belly breaths.
- When I'm at work and I feel my stress and anxiety building, I will take a five-minute break from my desk, email, phone, technology and do something to move my body like walk through the building, around the building, up and down the stairs, go outside, etc.
- Before I go to sleep I will do a 5-minute bed time yoga (YouTube has loads!)
There you go! You've got an intention and a plan of action, and an action plan that is respectful of your time, because not many of us have the luxury of time!
So, for the intentions you've written, ask yourself, what are small steps I can take on a daily basis to move me towards my desired outcome? Remember, they should be easily actionable, specific steps that you can fit into your day-to-day life otherwise the chance of not following through on your goals rises!
We're excited for you and the upcoming year! We hope that saying the mantra, "I set and plan out realistic, achievable intentions for the future," and inserting small actions into your daily life to achieve the new year's intentions you've set is a powerful way to achieve your goals in 2024!
Happy New Year!