The Power Of Aligned Intentions.

We’ve all felt the spark of setting bold intentions, those solemn promises to ourselves, only to watch them fizzle out before they even truly start.

For years, I found myself doing just that—setting lofty intentions, straying from them, and then spending the rest of the time feeling like I’d let myself down.

Then it finally clicked: I’d been setting myself up for failure by basing these intentions on how I thought others saw me, rather than on my own values and personal power.

Why is it that we can keep our word to others but often fall short when it comes to our own commitments?

Many intentions are made hastily, often based on how we perceive ourselves or think others perceive us—too much of this, not enough of that—or on what others think we should do. We set intentions because we feel these habits aren’t good for us, but without tying them to a bigger picture or our core values, motivation quickly fades. In effect, we’re reacting rather than living in alignment with our true intent.

So, I decided to ditch the idea of intentions entirely. I began focusing on how I was living in each moment and how each choice contributed to a meaningful, long-term outcome.

1. Create Intentions to Live By
2. Set Goals That Align With These Intentions
3. Take Small Action Steps to Support These Goals

Creating Intentions to Live By

The first thing I did was define my core intentions for living:

1. To be authentically myself.
2. To live a long, active life filled with kindness.
3. To nurture relationships and watch my loved ones thrive.
4. To show respect for myself, others, and my environment.
5. To be financially abundant to support passion projects.
6. To prioritize health, happiness, and fun.

When I started living with these intentions at the forefront, everything shifted. Habits, goals, and relationships began to align naturally, creating a sense of purpose and power I hadn’t experienced before.

Take a moment to step back and look at the broader picture of your life. Consider these questions:

1. How long do I envision myself living?
2. Who do I want to become as I grow?
3. What values and qualities truly matter to me?
4. How do I want others to relate to me?
5. What legacy do I hope to pass on?

Your Future Is Shaped by Incremental Moments of Now

Each moment offers a choice. We can carry forward old baggage, or we can choose to release it, paving the way for a life aligned with our deepest intentions. Sometimes, the past can feel heavy and deeply rooted, making it hard to see a way out. But there are many tools—like breathwork and other transformational practices—that can help clear these blocks and allow new possibilities to emerge.

Aligning Goals with Intentions

Once you have a clear vision of your life, you can start breaking it down into annual, monthly, weekly, and daily goals. Each choice becomes an opportunity to ask yourself one question: “Does this goal or action align with my larger life intention?”

Sometimes, the goal may be right, but the timing is off. In that case, set it aside until the time feels right. If the answer is no, take a closer look at what you’re about to do and why.

Taking Aligned Action Steps

Staying in the energy of your intentions while taking tangible steps toward them creates a powerful balance. Whatever your method—whether it’s lists, vision boards, or daily reminders—be sure to take action in alignment with your intentions.

Living from a place of personal power, with intentions as your guide, is a powerful way to bring purpose to each moment. Rather than pushing yourself toward goals that don’t feel right, you’ll find yourself in the flow, where actions and intentions work together seamlessly.