Reassessing 2019 Intentions – Is Course Correction Needed?

On the threshold of this year’s second half, it’s wise to revisit intentions you have set in January and ask yourself if a course correction is needed.
For some of us, even the most compelling goals and intentions can be derailed because we are constantly at risk of being sidetracked. We are distracted by technology and a myriad of mental habits that are not conducive to keeping our attention focused on what matters most at any given moment.
From the larger goals you may have set for 2019 to the minutia of daily unfolding of your present life, consider the impact of how you begin each day. According to research, the majority of people are looking at their cell phone, as soon as they wake up. That begins to lure the mind’s focus into e-mails, texts, social media and perhaps the world news as well. From a neuroscience perspective, this is like the equivalent of a strident sound causing the brain to jump into overdrive, the minute it awakens. This habit in turns feeds the brain’s tendency toward various levels of anxiety and hypervigilance.
What if, instead, you would create a 2019 course correction by reviewing your aspirations or intentions, perhaps divide them into monthly smaller goals. Then, cultivate the new habit of infusing mindfulness in at least the first hour of your day so you can set its course to be in resonance with your intentions. Strive to stay away from your phone for at least ½ hour and consider establishing a meditation habit. Numerous studies have been showing the countless benefits of this practice; one of the most significant is to entrain your mind and brain to become steadier with your attention and focus. Then, as you grow this habit and hold steadfast towards your goals, you will notice more serenity and clear-mindedness at the start of your day assisting you in the form insights on actions you can take that align with your heart’s desires . Soon your goals and intentions have a rich ground from which to flourish like a flower in the morning sun. If you are new to mindfulness and meditation practices, I highly recommend the book, which includes a CD, entitled Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn.