How To Set Powerful Intentions (And Actually Stick To Them)

Here, we unpack what intentions are, what sets them apart from goals or affirmations, and how to harness the power of what it is you intend to do or be, with the help of experts.

Grounded in the present, intentions are often used as both an anchor and guiding post. Spiritually speaking, with every intention set, you send a signal to the universe about what you need or want. This is exactly why authenticity is crucial for intention setting—intentions are only powerful if they are true to your values and beliefs.

Think of the anxiousness to be quelled and the energy to be saved by consciously choosing to have your own back in this way.

With your intentions set, you're ready to push your foot on the gas and start driving.

Once your intention is set, it's time to put it into practice. Here are some tips to help:

"What you think about, you bring about—in good and not-so-good ways," Cole tells mbg. Your thoughts matter and since any thought can be an intention, be mindful of the language you're using. Positivity is the way to go. Landolfi suggests crafting intentions with "I will," "I choose," or "I am" statements to add an empowering element.

"Find ways to activate your intentions throughout the day," suggests Landolfi. "This might look like pausing hourly to take a few slow, deep breaths, to fuel your intention of being calm and peaceful." There is plenty of time to chip away at that to-do list. The question is, how do you want to go about it?

Journaling is, hands down, one of the easiest ways to practice self-awareness and self-reflection. Every time you put pen to paper, you're channeling your innermost thoughts. If you're looking for a more visual way to revisit your intentions easily, "write your intention on a Post-it and put it on your bathroom mirror, car dashboard, your desk, refrigerator, or wherever it'll stand out," says Landolfi.

The best intentions are the ones that feel true to your values and beliefs. "Set intentions that excite you, feel possible, even when you know it'll take time to become reality, and that make you hopeful about the future you're creating," Landolfi tells mbg. It's much easier to stick to your intentions when you truly and authentically care about them. 

Possibly the biggest key to bringing your intentions to life is knowing yourself and knowing what obstacles you're putting in your own way. "The intention piece is important, but it's not that helpful if the psychological piece...goes untended to," Cole tells mbg. Embarking on deeper inner exploration, like shadow work, can help you set and stick to your intentions.

There is beauty in taking ownership of our lived experiences. Intention setting is a simple way to do just that. By releasing victimhood and reclaiming responsibility for our lives, we're able to experience a more mindful and fulfilled existence.