"Conflicting intentions" simply means that we intend one thing, but the subconscious intention in another direction is stronger and wins out. Then, of course, we complain about not reaching our desired goal and give up on the resolution. For example: I want to get a promotion and move up in the corporate world. Yet, the ideas around "moving up" are associated with more responsibility, less free time, etc. Because that seems so unpleasant (not necessarily on a conscious level), we stick with the same routine to avoid what we think will be more responsibility and less free time. If it's around losing weight, the "hidden idea" could be that we would have to spend money on new clothes. Oftentimes, we have a subconscious idea associated with the intended result. So how can we can we focus and make changes that actually work on a long-term basis?

It's great to be able to identify where the discrepancies lie between what you SAY you want and what you really do want because sometimes it turns out it's only what we "think" we want. Sometimes, we get hooked into the "shoulds" but a "should" doesn't come from within and leads to failure and disillusionment. i.e.: I "should" lose weight and exercise regularly.. In actuality, it's not until we ourselves want to lose weight and exercise that we could possibly stick with a plan.

The easiest way to begin is by creating a compelling vision of exactly what you want that includes how you believe you will feel, and how your life will look once the outcome is accomplished (much bigger and broader than a goal). Then, it's important to devise a plan in very small, incremental steps that fits your individual style that ultimately leads to making long-lasting, permanent changes. Once a vision is created (not goals), keep seeing that perfect image in front of you and let it pull you forward so that you can achieve what you have set out to do. By breaking it down into small, tiny steps, (i.e. exercise for 10 minutes twice per week and then add minutes or frequency) it seems so much simpler and actually "doable." Perhaps seeing the same old thing in a new way can be inspiring and motivating and lead to a new and better result.