Setting intentions can be a powerful way to improve your finances and life. And with the power of intentional thoughts, it is possible to completely transform your financial situation for the better. Learning how to set intentions can be a turning point in your life.
Not sure how to set intentions? We’ll take a closer look at how to do this and why being intentional is important.
What are intentions?
At first glance, an intention may seem like another word for a goal. But an intention is less specific than a particular goal. Instead, an intention reflects a purpose or attitude.
An intention should be based on your personal values. Not only should the focus be on your mind (and body), but also on what direction you want your life to move towards.
Examples of intentions
You can set intentions across your entire life.
For example, you might set an intention to embrace the changing world, accept others, or find peace.
But you can also set financial intentions. A few good examples of intentions include working toward financial stability and eliminating cumbersome financial obligations.
Some specific examples of intentions could be:
- This week, I will make a transfer to my savings account
- I will work out 3 to 4 times a week to meet my fitness goals
- I plan to bed early on workdays so I feel well-rested in the morning
- Today I will work on being patient
Notice that these intentions are not specific goals.
In contrast, a goal that could help you achieve your intentions includes paying off debt or completing a budgeting course.
Benefits of setting intentions for your finances and life
With intentions, you focus your thoughts as a powerful tool for change. You can go about your days with an idea of what you want your future to look like and take action to move in that direction.
However, without intentions, you are forced to live in a more reactive way. It can be very easy to allow life to move around you without taking steps to create the life you want to attain.
A clear intention in your heart can motivate you to take action steps to achieve the lifestyle you desire. It can also help you free yourself from the things setting you back.
How to set intentions for your finances
Intentions can be a useful tool in many areas of your life. But for now, we will focus on how to set intentions for your finances.
Here’s what you need to do to set intentions that will guide your finances forward.
1. Get clear on what matters most
Since intentions should be based on your unique values, you’ll need to take some time to determine what matters to you the most.
You don’t have to think simply in terms of financial costs, but you should consider how money plays into the picture.
By determining what matters most to you as an individual, you can set up financial intentions that align with those values.
For example, you may want to spend more time with your family. But without considering how financial obligations can get in the way, you may not be able to make this a reality.
You could set the intention to become financially stable, which would likely allow for more family time in the future.
Decide what is most important to you, and then you will have a better idea of how money plays a part in that.
2. Change your mindset
If you struggle to believe in yourself and what you can achieve, it's time to change that and have a new beginning. Focus on creating positive energy by changing your mindset. Believe that you are completely capable of setting intentions!
In order to change your mindset, take stock of the way that you think, your emotions, and the boundaries you have with others.
From now on, determine to let go of negative thoughts and change your belief system to something that will help you to meet your goals and exceed them.
In addition, this may require setting firm boundaries with friends and family who don't encourage you to reach for your dreams. And you'll need to continually remind yourself that you are able to set goals and succeed in your daily life.
Some other techniques may also prove helpful for your mindset. These include visualization, setting daily or monthly intentions that help you with your goals, and continuing to be aware of your thoughts regarding money and success in your day-to-day life.
3. Create a money mantra
A money mantra or financial affirmation can be a useful way to quickly remind yourself of your goals and help the intention-setting process. Whenever you run into an obstacle, a solid money mantra can help you refocus your efforts on your money intentions.
Without a mantra to summarize your intention succinctly, it can be easy to gloss over your intentions when things become more challenging.
A few good examples of money mantras include:
- Money can expand the opportunities in my life.
- I can become financially free.
- My income has unlimited potential.
Whatever your financial intentions are, take some time to create a money mantra that reminds you of the importance of your new intention. Doing so can also help with the manifestation of your goals.
4. Make a money routine
Once you set your money intentions, you should create a money routine to check in with your finances regularly. You can choose to create a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule that helps you keep tabs on your money progress.
Personally, I have a monthly money routine in which I check over my budget and revisit my long-term financial plans.
I make it a point to tackle this system on the first of every month so that I can get a better idea of where my actions are taking my finances. If I need to readjust my behavior, I’ll have that fresh in my mind as I leap into a new month.
Instead, you might prefer a daily money check-in to see your progress. A good daily system is to simply state your intentions aloud as part of your morning routine. With that, you can start your day with your intentions in mind.
The important thing is to create new habits to help you reach any financial dreams you have. So mark your calendar or planner and make a schedule.
5. Create an organized plan
To create clarity and learn how to set intentions, make an organized and ordered plan for your money and your life. You can start by getting a piece of paper and writing down what you want to achieve (this is the intention part).
From there, you can also break your intentions down into smaller steps (goals) and find a way to achieve them. You can decide if your goals are short-term and can be accomplished in a few months' time or if you need to think long-term.
You can also decide if you need to save more money, invest, or think about retirement according to your life intentions.
While your intentions are not the same thing as goals, goals will help you to live out your intentions. Because of this, a solid plan cannot be overlooked.
6. Focus on the positives
As you set intentions for the future of your money, it can be easy to forget about what you already have.
Don’t forget to also be grateful for the positive things already in your life. Everyone has something to be thankful for. As you look towards the future, don’t discount the blessings you already have in the present moment.
7. Look at your intentions daily
Once you’ve determined your intentions, place them in a spot where you’ll see them every day. With your intentions in plain sight, you’ll be regularly reminded about what matters to you.
It can be easier to make progress toward intentions that are constantly at the forefront of your mind.
You could put a Post-it on the bathroom mirror or hang a note on your wall. Just make sure that you will regularly see these intentions.
8. See beyond the dollar signs
As you work to improve your finances and learn how to set intentions, it can be easy to lose sight of what really matters. Instead of focusing on specific dollar amounts, consider how your money intentions can improve your life.
Yes, you have "x more dollars" to save before you reach your savings goal tied to your intention of wanting financial stability. But beyond that, having the money saved can minimize stress and give you peace of mind.
With each step towards a better financial picture, remember what you want your life to look like in the future.
Look beyond the financial costs and consider the personal and emotional tolls that your actions may have.
9. Journal about your intentions
Although it is important to set money intentions, you should recognize that things will change over time. That’s why a journal can come in handy.
With a journal and a pen, you can organize your thoughts, work through obstacles, and see your success along the way.
Keep your money intentions in mind as you regularly journal. You will be able to adjust your money intentions in response to your changing priorities.
And you can also use your journal as a place to practice gratitude for how far you've come with your intentions.
10. Find an accountability buddy on a similar journey
An accountability buddy can be a helpful way to stay on track in any journey. When you have a friend to accompany you, it can be easier to face the inevitable obstacles.
Seek out friends that are working towards similar financial places.
For example, if you are trying to pay off your student loans, then seek out a buddy that is also paying off debt.
How to set life intentions
Now that you understand how to set intentions for your finances let's also talk about intentions for your life. Your life intentions are equally important and will help you create a great future.
1. Leverage the tools you used to set financial intentions
You may have noticed that many of the ideas mentioned above will work well for your life intentions, as well.
For example, getting clear on your goals, having the right mindset, and staying accountable will help you regardless of what sort of intentions you choose to focus on. So use these tips on your journey of self-improvement.
2. Focus on what you want the future to look like
Create a picture in your mind of how you want to live and what sort of person you want to be. From there, it will be easier to come up with life intentions.
Some examples of intentions for your life could be, "I want to empower others to succeed" or, "I want to live a creative and unique life".
3. Make goals that work with your intentions
Once you know what sort of intentions you'll set, you can then create goals that will help you to get closer to living out your intentions.
Although this may take time, goals are a more tangible way to focus on your intentions. They give you a starting point and also will let you know if you get off track.
Set intentions for your finances starting today!
Knowing how to set intentions for your money can be a powerful way to propel yourself toward a better financial future.
And now that you have some examples of intentions and know how to create your own, you're on track to succeed.
Take some time to consider how money intentions could be useful in your own life. Remember to make a financial plan, and your life and finances will improve!