It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating the start of this year and planning for a happier, healthier and more prosperous New Year. Here we are now, past the halfway point. We’ve all experienced some successes and some failures. We’ve stayed true to some of our intentions… and forgotten others. Some of us may even be looking forward to the next year to start fresh again! There’s no need to wait. Mid-year intention setting is the perfect practice for checking in with yourself and resetting your intentions, so that you can make the most of the year’s end.
If you’re not sure where to begin, follow these six steps to resetting your intentions for the year.
Step 1: Celebrate How Far You’ve Come
Take some time to sit quietly and journey mentally through the months since the beginning of the year.
Remember January. What were you planning for? What were the first steps you took to bring your intention into reality?
February. What were your main achievements in February? What do you remember most vividly?
Take a mental walk through March, April, May, June… what comes to mind? Did you join a yoga class? Get a new job? Quit sugar? Celebrated a birthday? Put a smile on a child’s face? No matter how big or small your achievements may seem, they all matter and they all add up!
Write down everything you can remember. Once you’re done, look over your list and trust you have come far. You’ve learned and you’ve grown. Now, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Review Your Original Intentions
Do you remember the intentions that you set at the beginning of the year? Do they still ring true for you?
Take your time to sit with each of your intentions. When you imagine your intention coming true, how does it feel? Does it feel expansive? Does it bring you joy? If so, recommit to it. Otherwise, let it go.
You may find that some of your intentions have come true already and it is time to replace them with something new. Make a list of things you would love to achieve before the year ends.
Step 3: Reset Your Intention
Have a look at the list of your intentions that are yet to come true, including the ones you’ve just added. Which ones do you feel most drawn to? Pick up to three intentions from your list to focus on for the next few months. Remember: don’t choose too many or your attention will be spread too thin!
Step 4: Make a Plan
For each of your intentions, create a plan. What needs to be in place for your intention to come true? How are you going to achieve it? Even if you’re unclear about the whole plan, write down at least 2-3 initial steps for each of your intentions. Once you take those steps, you may gain more clarity about what your next actions should be.
Step 5: Take the First Step
It may be tempting… but don’t leave it for later. While you’re still feeling connected to your intentions and motivated, start taking action today. What is the first little step you can take towards your intentions? Go ahead and take that step. Use your initial spark of inspiration, from here your momentum will grow.
Step 6: Enlist Support
With the right support, you’re much more likely to stick to your intentions and see them through to completion. Who can you ask to help you and hold you accountable? Do you have a friend who can be your buddy on this journey? Talk to them and decide what ways you can support each other.
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Did this article resonate with you? If so, why not create the space to reconnect with your intentions or discover a supportive community on retreat? Now is the perfect time to choose a time that works, to set yourself up for a great second half of the year!
*Editor’s note: This article was originally posted in July 2018, but we’ve added to it!
Tatiana is a freelance writer and a mum of three living in Sydney. After a 10-years’ break, she has just returned to full-time work. She is still finding time for yoga, meditation and mindfulness, which is making a huge difference to her sanity and her enjoyment of life.
