🍂 October Intention Setting: A 3 Step Plan 📝

Oct 1

Okay, so we’ve talked about WHY it’s so hard to know what we really want…so HOW do we move forward?

HOW do we stop letting guilt, fear, and perfectionism run the show and start living with intention this month?

Well, my friend, I’ve put together a simple, three-step plan to help you set meaningful intentions and actually stick to them. And remember…it’s not about doing it perfectly—it’s about doing it purposefully.

Step 1: Carve Out the Time and Space (and Write It Down By Hand)

The first step is dedicating time and space to “do the work.” Yes, that means getting quiet and reflective. It’s impossible to know what you truly want if you’re constantly bombarded by noise, distractions, and the daily grind. So, find a peaceful spot this week—whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour—and let your mind wander a little.

But here’s the key part: I’m encouraging you to write it down by hand. Not in your phone, not on your computer—grab a notebook or journal and let your thoughts flow onto paper. There’s something magical that happens when you put pen to paper, and it’s not just a romantic notion. It’s backed by science. When you write by hand, it activates multiple regions of the brain, including those responsible for thinking, language, and working memory. It forces you to slow down and process your thoughts more deeply than typing does. Also, handwriting requires more mental energy and attention, which leads to better clarity and understanding of your own thoughts. It’s like a mini-meditation, helping you quiet the chaos and get closer to what’s truly important to you. And, studies show that writing things down by hand actually helps your brain retain information better than typing. It’s a form of active learning, making your intentions stick with you longer.

So, here are the questions I want you to answer in writing during your quiet time:

“How do I want to feel when I wake up every morning this month?”
“Who do I want to be every day in October?”

This simple act of writing down the answers to these questions sends a message to your brain: this matters. And when you make something matter, you’re far more likely to follow through on it. So, let yourself dream big and write down whatever comes to mind, even if it’s messy or doesn’t make sense at first. This is your space to be honest with yourself. There’s no right or wrong way to do this—just allow your thoughts to flow freely onto the page.

Step 2: Identify the Actions that Support Your Intentions

Once you’ve reflected upon and written down how you want to feel and who you want to be this month, it’s time to get specific about what you’ll actually do to make it happen. This is where we bridge the gap between desire and action.

Here’s what to do:

Write down 1-3 specific actions or choices that will support how you want to feel and who you want to become this month. Why 1-3? Because research shows that when we focus on just a handful of actions, we’re far more likely to follow through than when we overwhelm ourselves with a long list. Studies show that achieving small, manageable goals gives us a sense of progress and accomplishment, which increases motivation to keep going. If you try to overhaul everything at once, you’ll burn out fast. But focusing on just a few key actions creates momentum.

Make sure your actions are specific (For example, instead of saying, “I’ll work out more,” write down, “I will go for a 20-minute walk every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 a.m.”). When your actions are vague, your brain doesn’t know what to do with them. But when you write down clear, specific actions, your brain can more easily understand and prioritize them.

While you want to be sure your choices are aligned with your intentions, you also want to make certain they are achievable. Choose actions that are realistic for your life right now. Think small but impactful. These should be steps you can actually do, not overwhelming or time-consuming tasks that will stress you out.

Some examples of actions that are specific and achievable:

I will set my alarm 10 minutes earlier each morning to have a quiet cup of coffee.
At 7:30PM each weeknight, I will prioritize and organize my work tasks for the next day.
Each week, on Sunday, I will review my calendar and say “no” to one obligation or commitment that doesn’t align with my priorities this week.
I will walk outside after lunch for 20 minutes each weekday.
This month, I will try one new makeup or skincare product this month that makes me feel good.

By focusing on just a few key actions that support your intentions, you’re not only more likely to follow through, but you’ll also create a sense of accomplishment and confidence that motivates you to keep going.

Step 3: Create Accountability and Reminders

Intentions are powerful, but without accountability and support, it’s human nature to slip back into old habits. This month, find a way to stay on track with what your true self wants.

Here are a few ideas:

Daily Mantras: Pick a simple mantra that reminds you of your intention, like “I choose to be calm,” or “I am stepping into my power.” Repeat it every morning to set the tone for your day.
Phone Reminders: Use your phone to set daily reminders, maybe one in the morning, one midday and one in the evening. A quick “Remember: How do you want to feel?” notification can be a great way to refocus during the day.
Buddy System: Share your intention with a friend or partner, and check in with each other. Sometimes having someone else know what you’re working toward can make all the difference.
Habit Tracker or Checklist: Use a simple habit tracker like this or a list to check off how you’re doing. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just a place to track your progress and adjust as needed. Bonus points for hanging it somewhere visible each day/week - it’s a reminder of what you want to achieve and also encouraging when you check off your successes.

Remember, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress and allowing yourself to grow into the woman you want to be. Let this October be the month you break free from guilt, fear, and perfectionism—and step into something greater!!! 🙌🏻