The difference between goals and intentions is that goals are created to improve past performance while intentions come from the unlimited possibility of things you can have, be, or achieve. So to create the big picture of what you want for your business, begin by setting intentions.

1.  Set Large Intentions
People often work on challenges or problems that are too small. By setting large intentions you will achieve larger results in your life and business, so think big. Make intentions two to three times larger than a goal. This will help ensure that you will achieve what you want even if you fall short of a goal temporarily. Your intention should also be realistic and achievable for you.

2.  Make Intentions Specific and Measurable
Intentions that are specific and measurable are more likely to become a reality. Write out what you want in as much detail as you can just as if you were creating a movie. Be open to the ways in which your intention can manifest.

3.  Set a Time-Frame for Your Intention
Setting a time frame for accomplishing your intention will make you more focused on achieving it. For example, you may begin noticing opportunities that you did not see before that can help you to accomplish your intention and you will be more proactive in looking for solutions. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t happen exactly by the date that you set, sometimes it can take a bit longer to manifest.

4.  Create Action Items
Create a list of action items for achieving your intention. Once you have completed each step on your list, your intention will be accomplished. People often don’t achieve their intentions because they don’t take the time to create a good list of action items, so don’t skip this step!

5.  Missing the Mark
You may miss some goals along the way to accomplishing your intention. When this happens people often feel disappointment and make themselves wrong, make someone else wrong, or make the situation wrong. But the “blame game” can direct a lot of energy away from your intention so focus on the positive elements and momentum of your journey. When you miss a goal, ask yourself what happened to cause you to miss it and allow yourself the chance to make corrections and changes.

Let’s take an example. Say your objective was to make a thousand sales this month, but you end up making only five hundred. Perhaps you started with a thousand opportunities and closed fifty percent of them, falling short of your goal. What happened was you didn’t have enough opportunities at the beginning of the month to deliver on your intention. We have identified what’s missing—more opportunities. Now you have a direction to move toward in order to realize your original intention of making a thousand sales in a month.

6.  Sharing Your Intentions
You might want to share your intention with others, but before doing so, be sure that your vision and belief in it is strong enough that it won’t be crushed by naysayers before it has a chance to bloom. Share your intentions with people who are positive and likely to believe in your intention and its potential.

A coach can help you to identify and set intentions that will bring you the best results for your business and life.