Intentions

Creating intentions for a new year or anytime you need to reboot:

• Give yourself a quiet space where you can think and write. Bring a latte or tea.
• Do not rush. You will need time to think and reflect. I like soft music or silence. But you choose! .
• Make a list or jot notes. Do you want to teach a class on painting at the community center or run a local marathon?
• Get specific. After brainstorming these intentions, rewrite them. Now work to whittle these intentions into a simple and specific actions that you can carry out. Big lofty goals (I want to write a best seller) do not work. But clear goals (I plan to write a book on how to successfully run in a marathon) are manageable.

After crafting simple, clear—but  not overwhelming intentions, begin the design of a plan. That is the fun part—playing with the plan. Then begin to put concrete steps in your schedule to make it all happen.