In June, I wrote about us as boss women being intentioned for greatness. That is true because God is within us and He has a carefully crafted plan for our lives if we would just lean into who we were born to be. 

This month, I want to talk about our intentions. We can all think of times we intended to do something that didn’t happen. Personally, exercising has always been a battle and I cannot count the number of times I chose to stay on the couch instead. But who’s better: The person who intended to go to the gym and didn’t or the person who never thought about the gym at all? Both get the same result of no growth. I don’t want that to be the case in our lives and business and the enemy is hard at work trying to trick us. Our fleshly intentions aren’t enough! If you have any goals you want to accomplish before the end of the year, we need God and perseverance to make sure our intentions manifest into action and accomplishments. Let’s discuss how we can move the needle effectively:   

Set – and don’t forget – your goals

If you make a habit of writing down your goals it can be the bridge that connects your intentions to actions. Be strategic when writing your goals by breaking them down into smaller specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, also known as S.M.A.R.T. goals. You can find cute templates of this method anywhere on the internet. Once you’ve filled it out, put your goals somewhere in your environment that allows you to look at them often. This is a mindset hack that stays in your conscious and subconscious thoughts and will help you structure your tasks to accomplish your goal, sometimes sooner than you think.

Pay attention to your fruit

A quick indicator of your effectiveness in achieving your goals is to pay attention to your “fruit” or the end results of what’s happening in your life. The fruit you bear is a direct correlation to your intentions. For example, if you value healthy relationships but are always in the middle of drama, it may be time to dissect the role you’re playing in the outcome you wish to change. Are you embodying the character traits of someone who chooses peace over chaos? This realization may cause you to be vocal with others in your life that incite a side of you that you no longer want to associate with. That’s OK. The clearer you are about your boundaries, the easier people will fall in alignment to stay in your life or dismiss themselves because they can’t accept the changes. Either scenario will be beneficial for your goals in the end. 

Study Bible characters 

If you’re like me and appreciate stories with parallels of how people handled their intentions, take time to study your Bible. There are numerous stories of characters with intentions that were fulfilled and neglected. Study Judas, whose intention was to be a great disciple but in the end chose 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 14-25, 47-50). Study Cain, whose intention was to make great sacrifices to the Lord but was overcome with jealousy instead of improving his heart posture (Genesis 4:1-16). Then study Esther, whose intention was to save the Jewish people from perishing and was successful with careful planning and timing (Esther 8). The Bible has addressed all situations that we will face in life so don’t forget to turn to it for guidance because when you don’t take action on your intentions, it leaves room for the enemy to play with your mind and push you into discouragement or idleness. 

However, Jesus overcame this world and He is in us so that means we can, too! As long as we are creating action steps for our intentions and staying sensitive to the Word of God, we will reach our milestones and harness the power that will change our lives. So let’s get to work. I have faith in you. 

Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on imparting self-worth to all women. Her true work began after climbing out of a dark place with the help of God and therapy, and her life mission is to provide tangible peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their life. Follow the mission on Instagram and Facebook: @perennialpeaces