Intentions Matter More Than Goals: The Art of Powerful Intentions
- Kristi Miller

- Jan 23
- 6 min read
What if I told you that setting powerful intentions could shift the entire course of your life?
Intention setting isn’t just wishful thinking, its not setting a goal either—
There’s a certain magic to it.
An intention is more than just a goal.
It’s a guiding principle, it is a declaration of where you want to end up and the energy that you want to embody.
When you set an intention, when you DECIDE where you want to end up and align your energy with it, everything in your universe shifts in your favor.
You don’t set an intention and then do anything and everything in your power to bring into existence.
Once you set an intention, surrender.
You trust that it is going to unfold in the most perfect way.
Trust that the universe has a more detailed and well laid plan than you could ever come up with.
Once you decide, your job isn’t to do everything in your power to make this goal happen.
Your job is to become to person that already has this goal.
If this intention were already true (it is because you decided) what would you need to do to be ready when it arrives?
Let go and believe that everything that happens next is leading you where you want to end up
By focusing on intentions, you shift your mindset from worrying about outcomes to enjoying the journey.
Once you set your intention, once you decide, surrender.
Trust that everything will unfold in the most perfect way.
Shift your mindset from worrying about the outcome to enjoying the journey
Play along with the world around you.
Show up as your best self, bring good energy everywhere you go,
be ready to answer the call when it comes.
Live your life as if its already happening, and it will happen.
Intention setting is a powerful practice that helps us to remain conscious and aware of the energy we are showing up as in our lives.
It is less about goal setting and more about deciding how we want to show up in our lives and who we want to show up as.
Intentions are about your inner journey and how you want to experience life.
Using the power of intention means deliberately thinking thoughts now of the future you want. Health, harmony in relationships, happiness, money, stability, peace, creativity, and love will come to you in the future, based on what you think now.
The power of setting intentions lies in aligning your actions with your priorities and a broader life’s purpose. If you are faced with a decision and unsure of what direction to choose, being intentional about your life and where you’re headed can help guide you to making a decision that aligns with where you’d like to move towards.
Intention setting naturally leads to a more mindful way of living. When you're clear about your intentions, you're more present in each moment, making decisions and taking actions that are in line with your desired path.
Setting mindful intentions is a deeply personal process, as the most powerful intentions are those that truly speak to your individual journey and aspirations. No one can hold you accountable to your intentions except yourself, but having community to share your wins and receive support in your struggles can help as course correct as we all walk each other home.
Here are some examples of intentions you may set:
I align with the highest timeline
I express my thoughts and feelings with honesty
I build and maintaining meaningful relationships
I prioritize health for my mind, my body, and my spirit
I choose to move joyfully through the world
I am fully present in each moment
I find moments to be grateful.
I know that everything is always working out for me, even if it doesn’t seem like it in the moment
I speak kindly to myself and others
I accept myself unconditionally
I am patient with myself as I tackle new challenges.
There are so many beautiful and wonderful intentions to set, some that anyone can try and others that will be deeply personal to your journey. Here are some things to keep in mind as you write your own:
Focus on the positive.
Every intention you set carries energy. Positive language amplifies that energy, creating a forward motion that builds momentum. When you focus on what you do want, rather than what you want to avoid, your mind starts filtering out negativity and drawing in opportunities that match your vision. Instead of saying, “reduce stress,” say, “embrace inner peace and calm.” Instead of “stop procrastinating,” try, “take intentional steps forward every day.”
Notice how your thoughts start to shift when your focus is on the positive.
Be clear about what you want.
Vagueness is the enemy of progress. The universe can’t give you what you want if you aren’t clear about it yourself. When you write your intentions, be specific. Write down a detailed description of how your intention feels and looks in real life. For example, if your intention is to embody joy, describe the specific moments and actions that bring you joy—laughing with friends, walking in nature, savoring a cup of coffee. Get clear on the details so you can start noticing those moments in your daily life. The clearer your vision, the more easily you’ll recognize opportunities that bring you closer to it.
Keep it simple.
Complexity creates resistance. The most powerful intentions are often the simplest. Think of your intention as a mantra for the week—a phrase you can return to when life gets noisy. It doesn’t have to be profound or perfect; it just has to resonate with you. The simpler it is, the easier it will be to remember and integrate into your day.
Aligned Action: Write your intention in a single, short sentence. “I am fully present in every moment,” or “I bring curiosity and kindness to my interactions.” Carry it with you—on a sticky note, in your phone, or in your wallet. Every time you read it, take a deep breath and let the words sink in.
State your intentions often.
Repetition builds belief. When you speak or write your intentions frequently, they begin to feel real. You’re training your mind to see them as truths, not possibilities. Every time you say your intention out loud, you reinforce the energy behind it and align yourself with the life you’re creating.
Commit to saying your intention out loud every time you see it written down. Whether it’s on your bathroom mirror, fridge, or desk, make it a habit. Let the words leave your lips with confidence and emotion. Imagine the intention as already fulfilled. Notice how your energy shifts when you actively declare it to yourself.
Align your actions with your intentions.
Intentions without action are empty promises. The best way to embody a new habit, belief, or energy is to take small, inspired steps toward it. Ask yourself, “If this intention were already true, how would I act today? What choices would I make?” The more your actions align with your intentions, the more you solidify them into reality.
Identify one specific action you can take today that aligns with your intention. If your intention is to cultivate gratitude, write a thank-you note to someone who’s impacted you. If your intention is to embody courage, take a step outside your comfort zone—send that email, start that conversation, or try something new. Act as if your intention is already guiding you.
Incorporate mindfulness and meditation.
Intentions thrive in the stillness of the present moment. Meditation, even in its simplest forms, creates space for your intentions to take root. Everyday tasks—like walking the dog or washing dishes—can become meditative acts when you approach them with awareness. Use these moments to focus on your intention and how it feels to embody it.
Choose one activity today to turn into a mindful practice. As you do it, repeat your intention in your mind. For example, while folding laundry, you might say, “I bring calm and joy into my daily routines.” Let your intention become the undercurrent of your actions, even in the simplest moments.
Setting intentions involves identifying and articulating your core values, aspirations, and the ways you wish to live your life.
Once you set your intentions, be on the look out for divine nudges. Your intuition will whisper to you what you should do next. It is so important that you train yourself to ACT on these inspirations, that is how you open yourself up to all the magic the universe has in store for you. It is easy to talk yourself out of these divine nudges by dismissing them or telling yourself its illogical, but I promise you that acting on inspired action is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING you can learn how to do.
Take inspired action today by writing your intentions for this week on a piece of paper or sticky note, put them on your bathroom mirror, fridge, in your car—wherever you will see them consistently, and to say them out loud whenever you see it.
After you set your intentions, its time to surrender.
Just be.
Let go.
Allow.
Be free.
Play along.
Have fun.
Give.
Offer.
Serve.





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