I recently started practicing yoga. To be more exact, I used to do yoga at my local gym years ago, and when the gym went out of business, I decided to continue my daily practice from the comfort of my home. Until my daughter invited me along to take a CorePower Yoga class. As a side note, I take advantage of every opportunity to spend time with my adult children. Thus, I enthusiastically accept any invitations to join them in whatever the pursuit du jour might be. I thought I was signing up for the benefit of quality time with my girl, but I ended up getting so much more out of my practice than I originally anticipated. There’s no denying I’m somewhat addicted to exercise. I probably spend too much time working out doing too much cardio. I am mostly driven by the sheer force of habit rather than intentionality. And then I took my first hot yoga class.
Classes are heated to about 100ºF, and the room is set to 40% humidity. As soon as I did my first pose, I thought I was going to pass out from the heat. I struggled through that first class, but the motivation to spend time with my daughter was stronger than the sweat and the frizzy hair. I kept going back. Within a short couple of weeks, I started noticing the many physical benefits of yoga such as improved balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. But I also began to realize that the mental benefits of yoga are substantial. First and foremost, it helps me maintain a sense of well-being. Additionally, it sharpens my attention, concentration, and mental clarity. Doing yoga is my daily reminder to be intentional in all of my actions, to keep focus on the areas I wish to grow and change and to do the work to facilitate that growth.
Every class starts with encouragement from the instructor to set the intention and dedicate the practice to something in particular. Intentions help boost mental clarity and focus and get some perspective on things that matter. Setting a powerful intention for my yoga practice helps me make the most of each class. It is a constant reminder when I find my mind start to wonder, or when I get distracted. But the real power of setting an intention for my yoga practice is that it translates off my mat and into my life and my work. I’ve found that being intentional is also a very powerful tool when it comes to the world of work and business. When we set an intention and bring awareness to our work, we pave the way to cultivating the things we want more in our career and to ultimately fulfilling those aspirations and goals.
It is so easy to get distracted and be pulled in too many directions. Intention guides deliberate action. Setting a daily intention every morning helps me stay focused throughout the day. It is a roadmap for my daily to-do list and activities whether I am doing research, coaching, or writing an email. It is a powerful reminder to stay true to my purpose, to hustle and to work hard. Being intentional is all about taking ownership of everything we undertake regardless of the outcome. It is the resolve and determination to do our best.
Here’s how to set an intention for your work day:
Start with “what” (the daily to-do list - all the activities and things you need to get done in the day)
Continue with “why” (the intention, the reason behind each action). Write your intention mantra down (e.g.; forward progress, keeping an open mind, focusing my energy on what I can accomplish in the present moment, I am capable, etc.)
Finish with “how” (the tools and resources you will need.)
This week I am inviting more gratitude into my life. I am grateful for all that is unfolding for me and all that is yet to come.
Happy Thanksgiving!
