4 Steps to Uncover & Set Clear Intentions for Happiness

An intention is the motivation behind your actions. You always have a reason for doing something; sometimes the reason is clear, and other times it operates under the radar, in your subconscious.

To delve deeper into the intentions behind your actions, ask yourself these four questions:

What am I really Seeking?

Oftentimes, you find yourself doing something because you “should” or because it’s expected of you. Doing what you’re “supposed to” can actually be a way of ensuring approval and recognition from others. Maintaining the status quo can be a way to hide your vulnerabilities and be safely accepted by society. Other times, on the surface you’re doing something in the name of others, while you’re unconsciously seeking love and validation from those around you, or even God.

Are my Actions in Alignment with my Higher Self?

It’s important to remember that no decision is inherently right or wrong. What’s most important is that you honestly and consciously investigate your intention.

Sometimes, your intention is in alignment with your Higher Self, or truest part of yourself. However, if you’re not being honest about what you are truly seeking, it can result in an action, relationship or an entire life that’s not in alignment with your Higher Self. This creates a rift where resentment, guilt, stress, frustration and anger can fester.

When your actions are in alignment in your Higher Self, the result is a feeling of contentment and peace. The wondering, “Did I do the right thing? What will people think of me? Am I a bad person?” ceases, because you are being guided by the truest part of yourself.

How do I Stay True to Myself while Engaging in a Demanding World?

When you’re feeling stressed, frazzled, frustrated or just plain unhappy about doing something you’ve agreed to, investigate. Courageously seek the core motivation in any situation. Ask yourself: “Why am I doing this? What am I seeking?” Be willing to see your selfish, lonely or unglamorous shadow side. With self awareness comes the power to create a more authentic and fulfilling life.

If some of your intentions have been secretly thwarted by the need to gain approval, attention, love, acceptance, monetary gain, fame or validation from others, acknowledge your current intention. We all have places within ourselves we haven’t fully mastered yet. We still may look to others instead of finding what we need inside of us. Work on giving yourself that which you are seeking from others.

How do I Cease, Negotiate or Shift my Perspective?

When you honestly examine your intention, you gain the freedom to consciously make another choice or empower yourself to create a better situation.

Sometimes, when you realize your intention is to gain something you feel you’re missing, instead of unconditionally giving from your Higher Self, it’s easy to simply stop participating in that activity or relationship. For example, you discover that your idea to throw a baby shower for a woman you barely know isn’t because you truly want to celebrate her, but because she can help you get a good job at her company. You may graciously hand the reigns over to her closest friends and offer to help at a level that honors her and your Highest Self.

At other times, it’s about renegotiating the current contract in order to align with your Higher Self. For example, you decided give up alcohol for a month, but your buddy wants to hit the clubs for his birthday and expects you to be there. You might say, “Hey, I really want to celebrate your birthday tonight, but I’m not drinking right now. Would you still like me to come out with you, or do you want to find another way to celebrate instead?” 

And still, in other situations, things need to be taken care of: The kids need to be picked up and you’re the only one who can do it; the dishes are pilling up and they need to be cleaned; the work deadline needs to be met. Instead of holding must-dos from a resigned, powerless state, shift your perspective. Find small ways to honor your Higher Self. Here’s how:

• Take care of yourself, too. Pick up the kids, but leave a few minutes early walk around the block for a little workout, or stop for a healthy treat on the way.
• Infuse a mundane task with gratitude. Instead of seeing it as a chore, be grateful for the beautiful dishes you are nourished from. Or, when stressed about a work deadline, consider for a moment that you don’t have a job and feel the stress of not being able to pay the bills. Suddenly, the time crunch is more of a blessing than a curse.
• Turn a chore into a meditation. Use cleaning dishes as a form of meditation by consciously staying in the present moment and not letting your mind wander.

Don’t let unclear motivations harbor unhappiness in your life. Uncover your intentions, shift to be in alignment with your Higher Self, and create greater happiness, peace and inspiration.

Now that’s a good way to spring forward!