If there’s one thing I believe in, it’s the power of setting intentions.

I’ve seen them shift meetings, relationships, and outcomes — in ways that still surprise me.

In our busy, hectic lives, it’s easy to move through each day on autopilot — reacting instead of consciously choosing how we want to show up. Setting intentions changes that.

An intention is a conscious decision to focus your thoughts, energy, and actions toward a desired outcome, feeling, or way of being.

Unlike a goal — which is often specific and measurable (for example, “I will run a 5K by June”) — an intention is about how you want to experience something. It’s about the mindset you choose to bring into a situation (for example, “I will approach my meetings today with curiosity and gratitude.”)

Whether you want more patience, connection, joy, clarity, or confidence, setting intentions gives your days focus and direction.

And the best part? It takes just a few minutes.

How to Set Powerful Intentions

• Keep them positive and present tense: “I choose patience,” not “I won’t be impatient.”
• Keep them short and clear. Simple works best.
• Make them personal. Reflect on what truly matters to you.
• Say them out loud. Writing them down and speaking them signals commitment and confidence.
• Keep them visible. A sticky note, your phone wallpaper, or your journal keeps them top of mind.
• Revisit them regularly. Morning, evening, or whenever you need a reset.
• Add feeling to them. Note how you want to feel — and how you hope others will feel.

I love adding phrases like:
“It goes better than expected!”
“It goes surprisingly well!”
That little bit of fun gives the intention extra energy.

Setting intentions doesn’t require hours of meditation or a perfectly structured plan. It simply requires a pause — and a choice about how you want to show up.

Do Intentions Really Work?

In my experience — yes! If you have an area of your life that you’d like to improve, try setting an intention.

Years ago, I was preparing for a big client meeting where I would present our marketing plan. The client was extremely difficult, and I was dreading it.

On a whim, I wrote down this intention: “This meeting goes surprisingly well and better than expected!”

Within minutes of the meeting starting, the client revealed they didn’t yet have the budget for our work. Our CEO ended the meeting — and the client relationship — on the spot.
I packed up my things and smiled.

That outcome was truly surprising… and WAY better than expected.

That was the day I became hooked on the power of intention-setting.

From then on, I set intentions before every important meeting, project, or event. The process forced me to clarify:

• What I actually wanted
• How I wanted to feel
• How I hoped others would feel

And that clarity changed everything.

Workplace Intention Examples

Leading a Brainstorm “This brainstorm is easy, fun, and productive. I create a positive atmosphere where people feel excited and heard. We develop incredible ideas, and I’m thrilled with our progress.”

Giving a Performance Review
“The review with Jane is clear and efficient. I celebrate her wins and share growth areas with respect and openness. She feels valued, and we are both focused on her future.”

Meeting with a Boss
“The meeting with Mike is collaborative and productive. We stick to the agenda and establish clear next steps.”

A ‘Boring’ Budget Meeting
“This meeting goes better than expected and is surprisingly interesting and fun.”

Even taking 60 seconds to define the tone and outcome helps you show up more grounded, more focused, and more connected.

A Powerful Bonus

Something amazing happens when you state an intention:

Ideas appear.

If your intention is that a doctor’s appointment goes well, you may suddenly remember to bring your records. If your intention is for a business meeting to be productive, you might think to create an agenda or invite someone important.

When you pause and become intentional, your mind begins looking for alignment.

That’s powerful.

More Intention Examples

Relationships & Connection

• “I easily and quickly find ‘my person,’ and we are happy and excited about the future.”
• “I listen fully and seek to understand my partner’s needs.”
• “I speak up so we can align on what’s best for all of us.”
• “I stay present and release what I cannot control.”

Health & Self-Care

• “I prioritize daily exercise and healthy eating choices.”
• “My body continues to heal, and my health steadily improves.”

Work & Finances

• “I have meaningful, exciting work that supports my family and gives me freedom.”
• “I build long-term financial security by saving and investing wisely.”

Final Thoughts

Setting intentions is one of the simplest tools I know for creating a more purposeful life.

It doesn’t require perfection. It doesn’t require hours. It doesn’t require a dramatic life overhaul.

It simply requires awareness.

Try setting one intention today — for a meeting, a conversation, an event, or a family dinner.

Then notice what shifts.

And if you do, I’d love to hear about it! Share your experience in the comments or inside the Inspiration Exchange forum. Someone else may need to hear your story.