The Life Changing Power of Intentions
As we step into 2026, many of us feel the familiar urge to "do more" or "be better." We scribble down lists of resolutions, only to find them forgotten by February. But what if the secret isn't in the what, but in the how?
The difference between a year of frustration and a year of fulfilment often comes down to one thing: Intention.
What Exactly is an Intention?
At its core, an intention is a mental state, a conscious "pact" you make with yourself. While a goal is something you reach for in the future, an intention is the commitment you make in the present moment. Think of it as the soul of your actions. It is the "Why" that fuels your "What." When you set an intention, you aren't just making a wish; you are directing your energy with focus.
How Intentions Prime Your Brain
Have you ever decided you wanted to buy a specific car, let’s say a VW T-Roc, and suddenly, you see them everywhere? They’re at every stoplight, every parking lot, and in every driveway.
That isn't a coincidence; it’s your Reticular Activating System (RAS) at work. Your brain is constantly bombarded with data, so it filters out anything it deems "unimportant." By setting an intention, you are telling your brain: "Focus on this, it matters to me."
Suddenly, your internal filter shifts. You begin to notice the conversations, the opportunities, and the resources that were always there, but previously hidden. Setting an intention is essentially giving your brain a map to find the treasure you’re looking for.
The Power of Embodiment: Becoming Before Doing
One of the most effective ways to make an intention stick is to embody it. Consider a well-known study on habits: Two groups of people wanted to start exercising. The first group was told to set a goal to "go to the gym." The second group was told to see themselves as "athletes." The results? The "athletes" were significantly more successful. Why? Because they weren't just chasing a result; they were adopting an Identity. If your intention for 2026 is to be healthy, don't view health as a finish line you have to cross. View it as a trait you already possess. Ask yourself: "What does a healthy person do today?" They hydrate. They move. They rest. When you embody the intention, the action becomes natural rather than a chore.
Finding Your Focus in a Busy World
In a world that constantly pulls us in a thousand directions, an intention acts as your North Star. It provides a sense of organisation and productivity.
When you have a clear intention at the back of your mind, decision-making becomes easier. You no longer feel scattered because you have a filter for your time. Every "Yes" or "No" you give is driven by that central aim. Through this consistent, intentional action, goals don't just get met, they become inevitable.
Intention vs. Goal: What’s the Real Difference?
You might be wondering: "Isn't an intention just a fancy word for a goal?" Not quite.
The Goal: “I want to lose 10 pounds." This is a short-term fix with a deadline. Once you hit it, the motivation often dies. And the weight might come back on.
The Intention: "I intend to nourish my body and honour its strength." This is a theme. It guides every meal and every workout. It has substance, longevity, and grace.
Goals tell you where you are going; intentions tell you who you are becoming on the way there.
Making 2026 Your Most Intentional Year Yet
As you look at the year ahead, I invite you to look past the "to-do" list. Instead, ask yourself: How do I want to show up this year? Choose a theme. Embody it. Let your brain find the path. When you lead with intention, 2026 won’t just be another year; it will be your year.
