When I started my first business almost ten years ago, I was afflicted with what I now jokingly call "Business Vagueness Syndrome" (BVS). At that time, I had only a vague sense of the purpose of my business and, subsequently, I had no clear intentions and no written business plan. Energetically, my business was giving out weak and cloudy signals, and the results I attracted back reflected this.

As someone who has recovered from BVS and its associated discomforts, I can attest to the value of creating key intentions for your business -- the second step of the inspired business planning process. Clarity about your intentions for your business comes from focussing on your higher purpose. By setting your intentions for your business from this state of consciousness, you'll activate the support of the most powerful force in the universe.

The Power of Intention

"Intent is a force that exists in the universe. When sorcerers (those who live of the Source) beckon intent, it comes to them and sets up the path for attainment, which means that sorcerers always accomplish what they set out to do."

-- Carlos Castaneda, The Active Side of Infinity

Source, the Creator, Pure Awareness, Higher Consciousness -- these are all words used to identify the field of intention that exists behind all creation. Numerous spiritual traditions, teachers and scientists have pointed to the existence of this higher energy dimension that we can all tap into and use. In fact, as Wayne Dyer says in his book, The Power of Intention, it's "a force we all have within us -- a field of energy that flows invisibly beyond the reach of our normal, everyday habitual patterns." How cool is that?

And when you consciously set intentions that come from your higher purpose, you're in complete alignment with this universal force that allows the act of creation to take place. Talk about setting yourself up for success the metaphysical way, with ease and grace! Your role in this co-creative process is to quieten your mind and get as clear as possible about what you're intending to create.

Mind Mapping Your Intentions

Mind mapping is a tool that may help you clarify and verbalize your business intentions. People have used mind maps for centuries, but the concept has more recently evolved through the work of psychology author, Tony Buzan. A mind map engages both your left and right brain simultaneously, allowing you to tap into your full mental capacity and intuition.

Consider using an adapted version of this tool that integrates the Abraham-Hicks tool "What I Want and Why I Want It". To do this, draw a circle in the center of a blank piece of paper. In this circle, write what you've articulated is the higher purpose of your business (this also serves as your primary intention). For example, my business's statement of higher purpose is to model and facilitate awakening with healers/wellness professionals through money and all forms of prosperity as expressed through business. This is what I have in the center circle of my mind map.

Next, create a series of smaller circles around the main circle and attach them to the main circle with lines. In these circles, write all the intentions that will help you to fulfil your higher purpose. To inspire your creativity with this exercise, here's a list of intentions from my mind map:

- I intend to build my business management and administrative capabilities.

- I intend to broaden my business support network.

- I intend to build heart-centered relationships with my target market.

- I intend to create and offer transformational programs, services and products for my target market.

- I intend to offer my services and products to my target market with integrity and in ways that feel authentic to me.

- I intend to allow financial flow in my business and increase its profitability.

When you've completed this part of the exercise, at the right side of each intention circle, write all the reasons you want to fulfil that particular intention. Attach each reason to its respective intention circle with a line. Then at the left side of each intention circle, list all the reasons you know you will fulfil that intention and attach each reason to the circle with a line.

Through this exercise, you'll activate your inner sorcerer. By clarifying and enhancing your intentions and increasing your trust in their fulfilment, you'll summon the amazing power of the universal mind of intention as your #1 business partner.

Copyright 2008 Mary C. Davis