Power of Intentions and Goal Setting
Setting Intentions and Goals for the New Financial Year
We are already one month into the new financial year, and if you haven’t set your intentions and goals yet, it's not too late to start. At True Expression Health, I often set my professional development goals in alignment with the financial year from July to June, a habit rooted in my background as an accountant. This timing feels especially fitting as I recently began a new job and started working in a new clinic in July 2023. Now is the perfect moment to reflect on past achievements and set new intentions and goals for the year ahead. In this blog, we’ll explore how to set meaningful intentions and actionable goals to ensure the upcoming year is your best yet.
The Importance of Setting Intentions and Goals
Historically, in the corporate world, I was mainly taught to set yearly SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) at each performance review. While SMART goals are important, they often lack the deeper meaning and purpose that intentions provide. Without intentions, goals can feel hollow and directionless.
Intentions are the guiding principles that shape our actions and infuse our goals with purpose, making them more meaningful and aligned with our true desires. They are a mindset, a way of being that connects us to a greater purpose and aligns with our authentic selves. Essentially, intentions are about being, while goals are about doing—the specific milestones we plan and aim to achieve to reach our intentions.
The start of the financial year is an ideal time to set new goals because it aligns with business planning and personal financial management, providing a natural checkpoint for reassessment and new beginnings. By combining intentions with SMART goals, you will create a powerful framework for success for several reasons:
Increased Focus: Clear intentions and goals help you stay focused on what truly matters.
Motivation: Having a roadmap of what you want to achieve keeps you motivated.
Tracking Progress: Goals provide a way to measure your progress and celebrate your achievements.
This combined approach ensures that your goals are not only strategic but also deeply connected to your personal values and aspirations, driving both professional and personal growth.
Reflecting on the Past Year
Before setting or refining your intentions and goals, take a moment to reflect on the past financial year. What were your biggest achievements? What challenges did you face? What lessons did you learn? Celebrating your successes, no matter how small, is essential. It’s also important to acknowledge the areas where you struggled and consider what you can learn from those experiences.
Setting Intentions: The Foundation of Your Goals
Setting intentions involves mindfulness and self-awareness. Take some time to envision your ideal future. What do you want to achieve personally and professionally? How do you want to feel? Clarity is key. When your intentions are clear, they serve as a powerful foundation for your goals.
Goal Setting: Turning Intentions into Actionable Steps
Once you’ve set your intentions, it’s time to turn them into actionable goals. The SMART criteria can help:
Specific: Be clear about what you want to achieve.
Measurable: Define how you will measure success.
Achievable: Set realistic goals that are within your reach.
Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your broader intentions.
Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving your goals.
Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and prioritize them based on their importance and impact.
Creating an Action Plan
An actionable plan is essential for achieving your goals. Here are the key steps:
Identify Steps: Outline the specific steps needed to achieve each goal.
Gather Resources: Identify any resources or support you may need, such as mentors, online courses, or tools.
Monitor Progress: Regularly review your action plan and make adjustments as needed.
Example
Intention:
I am committed to building a successful and impactful kinesiology practice that aligns with my values, supports my clients' well-being, and provides financial stability for my family.
Goal:
To increase my kinesiology clinic's client base by 30% over the next 6 months by implementing a targeted marketing strategy, hosting monthly wellness workshops, and enhancing my online presence through regular blog posts and social media engagement.
Staying Motivated and Overcoming Challenges
Maintaining a positive and resilient mindset is crucial. Here are some strategies to stay motivated:
Mindset: Cultivate a positive attitude and stay focused on your why.
Accountability: Share your goals with an accountability partner or group.
Dealing with Setbacks: Recognize that setbacks are part of the journey. Learn from them and keep moving forward.
Enhancing your Intention and Goals with the power of Visualisation, EFT Tapping and Kinesiology
Visualisation:
Visualisation can be a powerful tool in achieving your goals. Spend a few minutes each day imagining yourself achieving your goals. Visualise the steps you will take, the challenges you will overcome, and the ultimate success you will achieve. This mental practice can boost your confidence and keep you focused on your intentions.
EFT Tapping:
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or tapping on certain meridian acupoints, can help reduce stress and remove emotional blockages that may hinder your progress. By tapping on specific meridian points while focusing on your goals, you can release negative emotions and reinforce positive intentions.
How Kinesiology can help
Feel free to contact me if you need help setting your intentions and goals. A kinesiology session can be a great way to overcome any mindset blocks and limiting beliefs that may be hindering your success. You can gain more clarity, reduce stress, and align your intentions with actionable goals.
"Intentions compressed into words enfold magical power." – Deepak Chopra