Our intentions can be understood through different lenses. Here's how:
Why vs. What: Sometimes intentions reveal the underlying motivation behind our actions, the "why" that drives us. This could be a desire for security or a thirst for knowledge. Other times, intentions focus on the specific outcome we want to achieve, the "what" we're aiming for, like graduating or writing a book.
Conscious vs. Unconscious: We can be consciously aware of our intentions, making deliberate choices based on them. But we can also have unconscious intentions that operate below the surface, influencing our behavior without us realizing it. Maybe we choose a career path consciously, but unconsciously avoid jobs that remind us of past experiences.
Long-term vs. Short-term: Intentions can be long-term plans for the future, outlining what we want to achieve in the distant future (distal intentions) like saving for retirement. On the other hand, some intentions focus on the present moment and what we want to do right now (immediate intentions) like finishing a task or having a conversation. Proximal intentions are similar to immediate intentions and involve actions we plan to take very soon, like grabbing a coffee.
Self vs. Others: Some intentions focus on personal gain or benefit (self-serving intentions). Others aim to help others or achieve a greater good (other-oriented intentions).
Logical vs. Emotional: The reasons behind our intentions can be based on logic and reason (rational intentions) or driven by emotions and impulses.
Explicit vs. Implicit: We can clearly state our intentions (explicit intentions) or communicate them indirectly through our actions (implicit intentions).
The type of intention that's most useful for you depends on the specific context.
