I consider that an important principle of empowerment is to identify an intention; a technique related to that principle is to write down the statement of intention. I consciously use the principle of intention in all aspects of my work, and express intention frequently with my clients. I also advocate writing down a statement of intention in certain situations.
An intention exists for every thought and every action. It is a given. There is no question whether or not an intention exists; the question is, what is the intention? You might even consider that an intention is the thought behind a thought, or the thought that powers a thought. It can be very enlightening to bring your intention to the surface after an event. It is even more enlightening to create an intention before an event so that the identified intention guides you in more empowering actions.
If you identify an intention that you be “open and appreciative” in a certain situation, you have directed yourself to be in a particular consciousness. This intention suggests certain actions; however, no specific actions are necessary in order to be in a particular consciousness or attitude. Actions follow an intention. And actions follow an intention, whether you are aware of the intention or not.
The act of writing a few words or a complete sentence helps to focus attention more effectively than just thinking about an intention. I often recommend this technique to clients. Some clients tell me that they feel more accountable to themselves when they take a few seconds to write words that capture an intention.
Here are a few examples of Intention. Note the simplicity -- you will find it easier to remember a few words than a complex sentence. Note the focus -- you want to inspire yourself about a way of being, rather than to delineate specific actions or end results.
* To feel free.
* To approach this situation with openness and eagerness.
* With love in my heart.
* Open and appreciative.
* Fully engaged in the present moment.
* Seeking balance.
After I suggested this technique to one client (Timothy), he began to write down a statement or phrase of intention for each meeting, whether he was its leader, a participant, or an observer. When he was responsible for leading meetings, he knew he could manage certain aspects of the meeting to keep it on track and in alignment with his intention. At those times, he became aware of blending and checking his way of being (consciousness) and his ways of doing (actions).
However, Timothy's deeper realization of the power of this technique of writing his intention came during the meetings when he did not even speak. He wrote his few words on a pad of paper and kept the pad in his own private view. He watched in awe as the groups of people who had been meeting together regularly for years began to change during one or two meetings. He noticed that they were more communicative, open, responsive, engaged, and productive.
I introduced the power of identifying and writing intention to Timothy several years ago. I recently had a conversation with him. He tells me that now identifying an intention is so embodied into his management and personal life that he rarely writes down a statement of intention. He does write an intention, though, when a situation is particularly challenging to him.
In my view, a technique is useful until it is no longer needed because the corresponding principle is embodied. I identify and/or write a statement of my own intention for being with my clients so that I provide a space for them to move as they need or want. I consider that it is not so much a matter of what I do or say with clients, but how I am with them. My intention is to be fully present, engaged, and listening at all levels.
Copyright © 2007 Marshall House Jeanie Marshall, Empowerment Consultant and Coach with Marshall House, produces Guided Meditations on CD albums and MP3 downloads and writes extensively on subjects related to personal development and empowerment.
Voice of Jeanie Marshall, www.jmvoice.com
The Power of Writing a Statement of Intention - To learn more about this author, visit Jeanie Marshall's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
The Power of Writing a Statement of Intention
|
| |
This article expresses some thoughts about intention, distinguishing a principle of intention from a technique to enhance the power of intention. Understanding both the principle and the technique is helpful in any...
|
How to Create a Compelling Vision for your Business
|
| |
Your company’s vision statement is the statement of its potential and of what you want your business to become. Your vision statement should be meaningful to you and your organisation. It should be shared will all o...
|
The Path to Selling Success
|
| |
A Road Map: The Mission Statement
The first step on your road to success is to define success. This is accomplished by writing a professional mission statement. A mission statement is like a rudder on a ship; it d...
|
How to Cure Your Marketing Headache
|
| |
Many times business owners get stuck when it comes to marketing because they feel uncomfortable doing it. They are afraid of being seen as pushy, intrusive, or fake.
What if you could change the way you think ab...
|
Focusing on Goals
|
| |
Define your goals, strengthen your confidence, overcome negativity and develop positive thoughts and feelings, and sharpen your focus by asking yourself these questions.
|
|
|
Jeanie Marshall
(Visit Jeanie's Website)
Jeanie has an M. S. in Human Resource
Development concentrating in Organization
Development. She consults by phone in the
areas of personal empowerment and
organization development. As an
Empowerment Consultant and Coach, Jeanie
helps people to find the power within
themselves. She uses traditional resources
and innovative approaches to help her
clients move from where they are to where
they want to be.
One of her greatest gifts as a consultant
and coach is to hold the vision of her
clients' true desires until they're able
to step into the vision. Her consultation
sessions are playful, inspiring, and
transformative. She says, "the most joyous
part of my professional life is working
one-on-one with clients, which is a
partnership of co-creative, empowering
ideas."
She's the author of multiple books, blogs,
web sites, and CD albums. She has been
actively involved in the human potential
movement and organizational development
for more than twenty years. She is a
mentor, coach, facilitator, organizational
development consultant, personal
development consultant, and a writer.
|
|
 |
|
|
Jeanie Marshall's
Complete
List Of
Human-Resources
Articles
|
|
|
If you enjoyed this article, get Jeanie Marshall's Complete List of Human-Resources Articles For FREE!
|
| |
|
|
|