Before I begin a writing project—whether it's a newsletter to my mailing list, a story, a book, or anything else—first, I set my intention.

To set a clear intention, I use a technique that I call Feel, Know, Do.

Here's how it works...

Feel, Know, Do

Before you start writing your book, presentation, email, pitch, or whatever it is, pause and think about the person who will eventually receive your words. 

Imagine your future reader (if it's a written piece) or listener (if it's audio, video, or a conversation). See them in your mind's eye. Focus on this person or group of people. 

Then think about the piece you're about to write and ask yourself three questions:

1. What do I want them to feel while they're reading this?

 

2. What is the most important thing I want them to know?

 

3. Once they finish reading this, what do I want them to do?

You might want them to feel inspired, appreciated, surprised, delighted, shocked, supported, hopeful, excited, curious, or something else. 

You may want them to know about an exciting opportunity, or perhaps you have advice or feedback to deliver. Maybe you simply want them to know that "you can do this," "I believe in you," "today is not over yet," or another message that their spirit needs to hear.

What do you want them to do? Perhaps you want them to make a decision, donate to your cause, come to your event, work with you, do something brave, or another action you are hoping they will take.