Setting goals is a powerful way to create the life you want, and essential oils can enhance this process by fostering focus, motivation, and emotional clarity.
I use essential oils for literally everything in our home, and mental health habits are no exception! Adding aromatherapy into YOUR goal-setting routine can help you stay centered and energized.
But what if you’ve never set a goal? What if you don’t like the feeling of goals? Well, I’ll address that, too.
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So! Here are my five creative ways to use essential oils to support your goal-setting journey.
Are You New To Goal Setting?
If you’ve never set a goal before or don’t like the idea of traditional goal-setting, here are three tips to make it feel more approachable and enjoyable:
- Start Small and Focus on Habits: Instead of setting a big goal, try focusing on small habits that align with what you want to improve. For example, instead of “getting fit,” start with “taking a 10-minute walk daily.” Building habits can feel less overwhelming and still lead to meaningful change.
- Think About Your Values, Not Goals: Focus on what matters most to you, like kindness, creativity, or learning. Then ask yourself, “What’s one small thing I can do to live by these values?” This shifts the pressure from achieving specific outcomes to simply living in alignment with what’s important to you.
- Reframe Goals as Experiments: Treat goals as fun experiments rather than fixed outcomes. For instance, instead of saying, “I must write a book,” think, “I’ll explore writing for 15 minutes a day and see what happens.” This reduces pressure and keeps the process open-ended and enjoyable.
Now that you have a small framework for goal setting, let’s see how aromatherapy can support your journey as you start this beautiful New Year.
1. Create a Goal-Setting Ritual with Diffused Oils
Why it works: A dedicated ritual can help signal your brain that it’s time to focus on planning and intention-setting. I personally like to set my goals for the day in the morning. Some people sleep better if they write things down in the evening and “put it away” for the night sort of speak.
How to do it: Setting a goal goes like this: imagine where you want to be, then break it into small, actionable steps. The best goals are specific and measurable, like “walk 30 minutes daily” instead of “exercise more.” Remember, goals should inspire you, but also feel achievable, so you stay motivated to make steady progress!
You don’t need much to get started with goal setting – a simple journal will do.
During your goal-setting session, diffuse essential oils known for promoting clarity and concentration. This creates a space that helps you think deeply and get creative.
Blend idea:
- 3 drops Rosemary (for mental clarity)
- 2 drops Peppermint (for energizing focus)
- 2 drops Lemon (for uplifting positivity)
Set the mood with a lit candle, a cozy blanket, or soft instrumental music to make this time feel special and productive. And my best tip: Don’t get stuck planning your goals for hours and hours… Start with a simple 5 minutes, then put that journal away again.
2. Use Roll-Ons for Mental Focus
Why it works: Applying essential oils topically can provide a grounding effect, helping you stay present and focused during your goal-setting process.
How to do it: Create a simple roll-on blend to apply before you start journalling or brainstorming.
Use essential oils diluted in a roller bottle on your temples.
DIY Roll-On Recipe (find detailed instructions on how to make a roll-on HERE):
- 10 ml carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil)
- 2 drops Frankincense (for centering)
- 2 drops Cedarwood (for grounding)
- 1 drop Orange (for uplifting positivity)
Apply this blend to your temples, wrists, or neck, and take a moment to inhale deeply before starting your work.
3. Enhance Visualization with Aromatherapy
Why it works: Scent is closely tied to memory and emotion, making visualization exercises more vivid and impactful.
How to do it: While visualizing your goals, inhale a calming and inspiring essential oil blend directly from the bottle. This will help anchor your intentions.
Close your eyes and visualize your goals. Inhale the essential oils in your room mindfully.
Blend idea:
- 2 drops Lavender (for relaxation)
- 2 drops Bergamot (for confidence)
- 1 drop Ylang-Ylang (for emotional balance)
Close your eyes, imagine your goals in vivid detail, and take deep breaths, allowing the aroma to help solidify your vision.
4. Anchor Your Goals with a Signature Scent
Why it works: Using the same scent each time you work on your goals can create a mental association, strengthening your commitment to them.
How to do it: Choose an essential oil that resonates with your goals and use it consistently during goal-related activities.
Use essential oils like perfume. Apply the same scent along with the same affirmations to help anchor the idea in your brain.
Suggestions:
- Patchouli for persistence and grounding.
- Eucalyptus for mental clarity and refreshment.
- Clary Sage for inspiration and creativity.
Each time you use your chosen scent, it will serve as a reminder of your goals and the energy you’re dedicating to achieving them.
5. Incorporate Affirmations with Essential Oils
Why it works: Pairing affirmations with essential oils enhances emotional resonance and focus, creating a powerful combination for goal-setting success.
How to do it: While diffusing or inhaling your favorite oils, repeat affirmations to reinforce your intentions.
Examples:
- “I have the motivation and clarity to succeed.”
- “I am capable of turning my dreams into reality.”
- “Each step I take brings me closer to my goals.”
- “I welcome focus, energy, and success into my life.”
Recommended oil: Grapefruit essential oil (for positivity and energy).
Smelling essential oils directly from the bottle totally works for a quick aromatherapy boost!
Final Thoughts
By incorporating essential oils into your goal-setting routine, you can create a focused, inspiring environment that encourages creativity and determination. Whether it’s through a calming ritual, an energizing roll-on, or a signature scent, aromatherapy can serve as a powerful ally in helping you achieve your dreams.
Ready to take the next step? Explore my recommended Essential Oil Starter Kits to find the perfect oils for your goal-setting journey.
Let’s make this your most inspired and productive year yet!
Love it 😍