Intentions vs Expectations

In today's 2 Minute Insight we discuss Intentions vs Expectation. For much of my life I had expectations that left me upset, frustrated, and disappointed when the outcome didn’t happen the way I wanted it to. My thoughts and desires lived in the future and it was always someone else's fault when things didn’t work out. I was so fixed on the outcome I didn’t see anything else outside the world in my head. If I was good, if I was perfect, if everyone just did what they should be doing, everything would work out just the way I imagine. My attachment to the outcome would leave my world crashing down around me. 

Things began to change when I learned to drop my expectations and start setting intentions. By setting an intention I began to focus on the process in the present moment to reach the outcome. I would use daily intentions to check in with myself to make sure my actions and path was heading in the right direction. I remember one intention I had was to bring more joy into my life because I was working a lot of long hours at work. Each morning I would sit at the edge of my bed and set the intention that I would do one thing that day that brought me joy. I didn’t know what that one thing was but I allowed my actions throughout the day to lead me to what it may be. One day I got off work at a normal time and went to a local museum that was having free admission that evening. One day I went running while the sun was still out. Another day I drove to a park for lunch and sat in the grass. It was simple moments but by focusing on the present moment experience I was able to find a greater joy that filled my life in ways that I had not imagined. I also began to take responsibility for my actions and not blame others. There was no reason to be hard on myself as well. I was doing the best I could and I wasn’t attached to the outcome being a certain way or happening at a certain time. I had determination but I kept an open mind to where the path may lead. 

So, the next time there’s an outcome you would like to work towards, I invite you to set an intention and drop the expectation. It could be one of the most rewarding things you do as you walk your path.