#007 Why Setting Intentions Beats Goals (And How to Rock It)

Ah, goals. They’re like those glittery New Year’s resolutions—sparkly at first but often fizzle out by February. Enter intentions. They’re the cool, laid-back sibling of goals, designed to inspire rather than pressure. So, if you’ve ever felt like goals are bossing you around, it’s time to embrace the magic of setting intentions instead.

What’s the Difference Between Goals and Intentions?

• Goals: These are specific, measurable, and usually tied to a deadline. Think, “Lose 10 pounds by summer,” or “Land that promotion by December.”
• Intentions: These focus on how you want to feel or who you want to become. They’re about embodying a mindset or way of being. For example, “I intend to nurture my body and mind,” or “I intend to show up confidently in my work.”

While goals are about hitting targets, intentions are about aligning with your values and living authentically. Goals scream “Do this!” whereas intentions whisper “Be this.”

The Science of Why Intentions Work

Studies in psychology reveal that setting intentions can actually prime your brain to notice opportunities aligned with them. It’s called the Zeigarnik Effect: your mind holds onto incomplete tasks and subtly nudges you toward completing them. Intentions tap into this naturally—without the stress of deadlines.

Moreover, intentions foster intrinsic motivation (doing things because they resonate with your values) rather than extrinsic pressure (“If I don’t achieve this, I’ll feel like a failure.”). This makes the journey more enjoyable—and sustainable.

When Goals Go Wrong (And Make You Want to Scream into a Pillow)

Ever set a goal so big it feels like climbing Mount Everest barefoot? You’re not alone. Goals can:

1. Feel rigid and stressful (“I missed one workout this week—might as well quit!”).
2. Focus too much on the destination, ignoring the journey (“I’ll be happy once I get there,” said no one who got there).
3. Leave you feeling like a hamster on a wheel.

Intentions: The Breath of Fresh Air You Need

Here’s why intentions are a better BFF:

• They evolve: If life throws you a curveball (as it loves to do), intentions adapt.
• They focus on the why: Instead of obsessing over outcomes, you stay grounded in what truly matters.
• They feel good now: You don’t have to wait for some future achievement to feel fulfilled.

How to Set Killer Intentions (With a Sprinkle of Humour)

1. Start with a Feeling
   Ask yourself, “How do I want to feel today, this week, or in life?” Examples: calm, confident, joyful, or Beyoncé-level fabulous.

2. Keep It Short and Sweet
   Long-winded intentions are like run-on sentences—they lose impact. Think: “I intend to show up authentically,” or “I intend to embrace curiosity.”

3. Pair It with Actions
   Intentions aren’t just dreamy thoughts. Pair them with actions you want to take. For example, “I intend to nurture my body by eating foods that energize me and moving in ways that feel fun.”

4. Revisit Daily
   Think of intentions as your morning cup of coffee—they need a daily check-in. Write them down, say them aloud, or tape them to your mirror.

5. Laugh at the Mishaps
   Life isn’t perfect, and neither are we. If your intention to “stay patient” crumbles after someone cuts you off in traffic, laugh it off. (Bonus: this is living your intention of finding humour in chaos.)

Let’s Wrap This Up with a Mic Drop

Setting goals is like putting on a GPS for your life—it gets you there, but the journey might feel robotic. Setting intentions is like choosing your travel playlist—it makes the journey richer, more meaningful, and totally you.

So, this week, ditch the pressure of perfect goals and embrace the art of intention-setting. After all, life’s too short not to enjoy the ride.

Girl Power Rocks!

Estelle x