It’s very powerful when you set your intent with a single word at the beginning of a new year or new phase in your life. Whether you’re transitioning into a new role in the workplace, changing jobs altogether, or, just focusing on the beginning of a new year, defining your intent helps you to set your pace and maintain your focus as the days go by.

Intent helps you establish your reputation and brand

Setting your intent doesn’t just help you stay motivated and focused on what you really want. It can also help you to accomplish more by making it easier to establish and build a strong personal brand.

Regardless of what industry you happen to work in, having a good reputation that is built upon the solid foundation of your personal brand is critical for opening the door to new possibilities.

Using intent to set yourself apart

If you want to gain the attention of others, so you have more opportunities to grow and lead, you must gain the trust and respect of others. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important that your performance helps you stand out from the crowd!

Who are you?

Think about this scenario. We are 5 or 10 years into the future, and people are talking about you.

Someone asks, “Do you remember (your name)?”

“Yes, She/he’s the one who …”

• How would you like them to finish that sentence?
• What would you like people to remember about you?
• What would you like people to be saying about you right now?

You’re fair, fun, strong, industrious, gentle…

You can see how your values are important here as you define your personal brand and reputation. When you know what you want to stand for and represent, you can set clear intent to make it happen.

Define your intent

If you haven’t already set your intent, you will want to do so now. Think about the things that you are passionate about. What do you really care about, what matters to you? Make a list of all the things that bring you joy.

This activity helps you to uncover your true motivations, the “why,” or intent behind all your actions.

Choose  your signature talent or skill

Once you have uncovered your “why,” devote some time into thinking about “what” you want others to think about when they hear your name. When you are thinking about what you want to be known for, try to choose something that relates to your natural talents and abilities. What are you good at? What are some things that you can do better than others?

Make a list of the areas where you truly excel.

Looking at your list, ask yourself, what’s the one thing that sets you apart from every other leader and manager?  What is your “signature” ability or skill? Perhaps you have might even a personality trait you’re proud of and which will make you a better leader.

Select a problem you want to solve or a specific area of performance you want to improve

After you have defined your intent, and selected a signature skill to hone, take a good look at your current position. Are there areas that need improvement in your workplace?

Create a list of areas where you could improve performance if you took direct action and applied your signature skill.

Why write them down? Because it forces your brain to focus on these important things.

Finally, look at all three of your lists.

Are there points where your lists intersect? If there is a problem area that you are passionate about, and that you can solve best with your signature ability, you have reached the point of maximum alignment.

Take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference!

Want to learn more about how to use your intent to help you create the lifestyle and career that you want, by design? Set Yourself Up for Success via my free online coaching program and have your most successful year yet!