How to determine if it’s an interest or an intention

I’m interested in replacing all products in my home with the natural version. Having original artwork on the walls. Finishing my book. Decorating my laundry room. Going to DC this year. Selling 200 books this month. Being published in a bomb ass magazine. Hosting a writer’s retreat. Trying the 21-day fruitarian fast again. 

But all of these interests are not intentions. 

I’m interested. I want to do it. Intentions, on the other hand, are something I’m going to do. I have energy moving that’a way, dedicated to it. I think about my intentions most of the time and my to-do lists will always encompass my intentions in some way. That’s not to say that I won’t accomplish my interests. They’re just not at the forefront of my mental. 

And I’m learning not to judge myself for that. 

One of the first practices with Ivy, my body relationship coach, was ranking the areas of my life that needed the most attention. From there, we created a plan around the top three. Of those three, I had to see the need to make a change in that area and I had to be willing to work on it. Both elements are key.

Those prompts taught me that while exercising and eating right are good for me (and even necessary), if I’m willing to acknowledge that that’s not taking up the most room in my heart space, then I’ll save myself beaucoup frustration and failure. 

Take a moment to identify your intention(s). Not what you want to be your intention, but what’s already claiming most of your thoughts. 

If body insecurities or illness is constantly on your mind, then at least one of your intentions is better self-care. If not enough money comes to mind while driving, showering or going to bed at night, then making more money (and/or cutting back) is your intention. If your relationship has you stressed, then it’s that. 

Here’s why determining if it’s an interest or an intention matters…

Until you choose and focus, you’re all over the place. That’s how you find yourself busy but not necessarily productive. I just added this to my client intake process. Along with your vision for your book, I also need to know what your interests and intentions are, because if finishing the book isn’t an intention, then we won’t get anywhere. 

[If your book is one of multiple intentions, see how Call-to-Copy will serve you.] 

Intentions are what you post on the wall, make a vision board out of, visualize during meditation, etc. Once you’re clear on that, you’re able to give it more focus. And because you’re spending less time on the not-it-shit, you’ll have more time and energy for the it-shit! In fact, it’ll happen. 

Quick testimony: As an author and writing coach, I’m often confused on what to promote. Well, last month I decided to go hard in the paint for my most lucrative service–Call-to-Copy. I set an intention (meaning I decided that I would dedicate most of my efforts towards it) to book at least seven consultations with at least three of them signing a contract. Result: four consultations and four contracts. #Boom

We have a new moon coming up on June 15th. During that time, we’ll reassess our intentions, so go ahead and get yours ironed out so you can make some magic happen with me: ) Here are 15 prompts that’ll help you better identify your intentions.