Difference Between Affirmations and Intentions
Do you ever look at someone’s life and think, Wow, they really have it all together? We’ve all been there – comparing our lives to others because the small glimpse we’re seeing of theirs seems perfect.
But let me tell you something: everyone struggles from day to day, usually with things we’ll never see or hear about. We’re all human! We all have trouble with motivation, maintaining a positive attitude and mindset, and finding the energy to complete daily tasks.
Yet, we all keep trying each day. That’s the beauty of life!
But we don’t have to struggle alone—there are lots of ways we can practice better mindfulness and, hopefully, feel a little more motivated.
One of those ways is by setting both affirmations and intentions. Did you know there’s a difference?
People often use the terms interchangeably, but there’s an important distinction between the two, and using both in everyday life can make a huge difference.
Affirmations are short statements you can repeat to yourself daily to reprogram your mind into believing them. They’re actually backed by science! Repeating intentional, positive words and phrases can trick your mind into believing them. Pretty cool, right?
Affirmations usually focus on changing beliefs and attitudes that no longer benefit you. They can be aspirational, helping you to change or create a positive thought pattern, and usually have a longer-term focus.
Some examples of affirmations:
1. I am capable, healthy, and full of energy.
2. I am a good person, worthy of respect.
3. My body is resilient, strong, and worthy of love.
4. I respect my body with nourishing food and regular exercise.
Intentions, on the other hand, are statements that you intend to act on. Repeating intentions can also help train your brain and ensure they come to fruition.
Intentions are practical and focus on how you want to live and act on a day-to-day basis. They are not as focused on long-term goals as affirmations.
Some examples of intentions:
1. I’m going to give it 100% during my workout today.
2. Today, I will listen to my body and rest when needed.
3. I will eat nourishing foods that fuel my body today.
4. My choices today will support my health and fitness goals.
It may seem a little “woo-woo” to repeat positive mantras to yourself each day, but think about it this way: how often do you say negative things to yourself?
When you make a mistake, do you say, “I’m so stupid”? When you don’t hit a workout goal, do you say, “I’ll never get there”? We’ve trained our brains for years to believe we’ll never be good enough for certain things.
So, who’s to say we can’t train them to believe we WILL be good enough? That we already are good enough? That we can accomplish anything we put our minds to?
Obviously, setting affirmations and intentions is not a cure-all. You still have to put in the work and dedicate energy to achieving your goals. But one of our biggest barriers can be our own minds, so practicing these mindfulness tricks can help train your brain into believing your goals are attainable.
I believe in you! You can believe in yourself, too.
Try setting some affirmations and intentions, and let me know how they work for you!
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