Clear Your Focus to Set an Intention for 2020

Welcome to 2020! It’s the new year, which means people are thinking about and reflecting on what they really want to accomplish in the next 12 months. While January always seems to center around goals and resolutions, I want to encourage you to think bigger—what’s your intention for 2020? And, what’s your intention for the next decade?

Recently, I stumbled across this research that says, “seeing goals as a journey makes you more likely to stick to them.” Rather than setting a goal and accomplishing it, this study found that people are more likely to look at goals as stepping stones to a bigger picture when they viewed the goal as a “journey.” I have a similar attitude toward the word “intention.”

I view intentions as a goal, yes, but one that also includes a step towards a greater good, versus just a description of what will be different. For example, your New Year’s goal could be to lose ten pounds. Or, your New Year’s intention could be to wake up every morning feeling vibrantly healthy. Which one do you think will inspire you to lead a healthier lifestyle?

For me personally, the intention to make coaching a way of life for the world has created an incredible journey that has spanned decades. It continues to define both my personal and professional experiences, and it invites me to constantly take on new challenges. In the beginning of my journey, there were things that I didn’t know how to do that I needed to learn to grow my business. New challenges come as my business expands and transforms—I’ve needed to learn—and am still learning—how to become a better writer, how to be a better leader, and how to bring my work to larger audiences. The journey continues.

One of the things that has surprised—and delighted—me about setting these intentions is how often people show up to support and teach me. I have been deeply moved by the generosity of many of the people who have helped me along the way. The same is true for anybody—when you set an intention, especially when it’s in service of a greater good, people tend to show up to help. Sometimes in unexpected and surprising ways! That’s part of the fun of taking a journey. You never know who will join you along the way.

What intention do you want to set for yourself for 2020—or for the next decade? It could be something personal, like discovering what truly makes you happy. Or, your intention could be to become the type of leader that inspires others to be their best. Maybe you want to serve a greater good by addressing a challenge or inequity that moves or concerns you in some way. Whatever intention you set for yourself, I hope it takes you on a journey that delights and surprises you—and invites you to discover and realize new facets of your potential!

Questions to Clarify Your Intention

If you’re not quite sure the intention you’re setting is right for you, we’ve created these questions that can help clear your focus:

• What am I actually committing to?
• What makes this opportunity meaningful to me?
• How will I personally and professionally grow by undertaking this challenge?
• How can this opportunity be a gift to me, to others and/or to the world?
• What concerns me the most about what I’m committing to?
• What or who can help me address my concerns?
• What will be different when this is complete?
• What is my next step?

I hope that 2020 and the next decade is a fantastic experience for you and for those who are positively impacted and inspired by the journey you take!