How long to hold an intention without strangling it?

[JKrump]

In other words, how long can should you keep an intention before detachting from the result?

[Acting Like Godot]

In brief, you can think as much as you like about your intention, as long as you think positively.

If you cannot maintain the positive attitude on an ongoing basis, then it's best to do your IM while positive, detach straightaway and stop fussing about your intention.

In other words, if you can't add any more positive energy, then at least stop adding negative energy.

[JKrump]

That makes sense since the only negative energy I believe you can give an intention is doubt that you can have it. Detaching from it before the doubt appears keeps it alive. Is that what you're saying?

[theknightwhosaysni-NI]

I think you should keep thinking about your intention until you really KNOW it is going to manifest. However it's when you really know it's manifesting that you're actually really intending it. So it's a bit paradoxal that you can detach from it when you really intend it.

Let's compare it in this way it may be clearer :
Every morning you know that the sun is going to rise. You know it and you're so sure of it that you don't even need to think about it. It's completely part of your reality.

When you know with the same certainty that your specific intention is going to manifest, then you can stop thinking about it.

As Acting Like Godot says, it's important to not put negative thought into your intention, because it's like thinking "I'm not sure this is going to manifest".
If you know, deep down, that something is going to happen you don't need to give it much thought. However if you can't really feel it's going to happen then use positive thinking (and acting) until you do.

[JKrump]

That makes perfect sense. Another user here gave the analogy of ordering your food at a restaurant. After the order has been processed you almost immediately forget about it, only because you know it's on its way (it better be if you paid for it )

[theknightwhosaysni-NI]

Yes exactly, I like the order at a restaurant analogy , you ask for it, you know it's coming, so you don't need to think too much about it. In this case you can just relax and enjoy your time...Sometimes though, you'll need to act or do something else depending on your specific intention.

[JKrump]

ok, as incredibly inspiring as this is...I'm very hungry.