Midlife can be a season of transition, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. During this time of life, many women stop and ask themselves, “What’s next for me?” And once we reach 40, 50, and beyond, most of us have set many goals. But how many actually made you feel happier, more peaceful, or purposeful? Maybe you’ve set a bunch of goals, but don’t see how they help you long-term.
If so, let me show you how to make them stick. There’s probably one thing you have not been doing because no one has ever told you this.
This is week 4 of our Mindset and Midlife series. If you haven’t read any of the other parts of the series, click here for those: part 1, part 2, and part 3. So today we are talking about how to be the kind of woman you want to be in this next chapter of life. And the way you do that is to set heartfelt intentions to accompany your goals.
Why are intentions needed if you already have set goals? Aren’t intentions just “woo-woo?” (No.) Are they really necessary? (Yes.) Read more below to find out why.
What’s the Difference Between Goals and Intentions?
Most of you probably know what goals are but maybe not intentions. Let’s define these terms.
- Goals are specific and measurable. For example, run a 5K, pay off debt, lose 10 pounds, or read 12 books this year. Then we set up small steps to achieve those.
- Intentions are more about how you want to live each day and the attitude you bring. They’re your “why” you want to achieve the goal. For example, your intention may be “I want to take better care of my body so I have more energy to enjoy life and spend it with those I love.” Then one of your goals might be “I want to lose 10 pounds in 5 months.”
Goals are the finish line, and intentions are the direction you’re walking. Both are important,, but intentions keep your goals connected to your deeper purpose and lasting change. If you don’t know your intention, then it may be hard to stay motivated to accomplish your goal.
Practical Examples of Goals and Intentions
Health and Wellness
- Goal: walk 20 minutes, 4 times a week
- Intention: I want to care for my body so I can stay strong and active in life
Relationships
- Goal: Schedule a weekly date time with my spouse, child, or a friend
- Intention: Be more present and nurturing in my relationships and connections with others
Faith Walk
- Goal: Read Scripture 5 mornings each week
- Intention: I want to learn how to trust God each day and be more joyful throughout the day
Note: Another way you can do this is to set the intention first and then the goal (s) next. Here’s an example of that one.
Mental Health
- Intention: Be a lifelong learner
- Goal: Read 24 books this year. Then you can break down that goal into small steps such as read a book every 2 weeks or about 20-30 pages a day.
See how all that works. Intentions actually help you build habits which ultimately change your life. Intentions inspire you to be curious and help you thrive in life. And when we root our intentions to our faith, they go beyond just self-improvement. They become a plan to align our lives with God’s purpose for us.
This week choose one area in your life you’d like to see a change. Maybe it’s your health, relationships, work, or spiritual life. Then think of an intention that matters most to you right now about that area. Write it down and post it somewhere in your house or on your phone to pop up each day. Then in a couple of days, allow that inention to help you set one goal. I think you’ll also find that the intention will guide your choices in other areas as well.
And if you need help in setting up intentions, goals, and how to achieve them, reach out to me. This is one thing I do to help private health coaching clients. I’d love to help you, too. Click here to set up a free 20-minute consult.
Remember, midlife is a powerful season. It’s not too late to set new goals to achieve. You just need to be guided by your values and inner beliefs, and intentions. You can do this!
Leah Cheshire is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and retired speech-language pathologist and homeschooler. After having numerous health issues herself, she embarked on a wellness journey using various nutrition and lifestyle modifications. She then decided to return to school to help others. Leah now works primarily with midlife women who have hormonal problems, weight and digestive issues, brain fog, and fatigue by providing guidance and accountability to help them decrease symptoms and improve their overall health. If you need help from someone who, not only has helped clients but who also has been in your shoes, reach out today to set up a free 20-minute session. Click here to schedule.
