Setting My 2026 Intention
What is Intention Setting?
Similar to goal setting, it requires us to identify core values and focus our energy on the “why” behind the goals we’ve set. This "why", or purpose, is the basis for our intention. > Combined with how you "show up" in life, you ask yourself what it might look like if you could consciously choose how you want to feel while achieving your goals.
This is intention setting in a nutshell!
When setting my intention for 2026, I considered the feeling I wanted to embody. Intention setting can be utilized in various ways to support your goal-setting process.
My 2026 Intention: “I intend to achieve more presence in the moment through mindfulness.”
What does this mean? This intention, grounded in mindfulness, is the cornerstone for my approach to achieving balance in my overall well-being. This will help me to “maintain an even stream”, as my father would say, who learned in the Air Force the importance of emotional regulation. Another analogy which I learned from my dearly adored yoga instructor, Sue, was to “remain at the center of the wheel,” creating an image of how a merry-go-round’s forces are that much more manageable at the center of the wheel than the forces when on its outer edges, reminding me to stay centered, present through a mindful approach.
Why does this matter? This intention and idea of presence will create a guiding pathway for my daily purpose, to be present through mindfulness. It reminds me of my values to be whole and healthy in my mind and body. When I’m present in the moment, I am in tune with myself and no longer left “on the edge of the wheel” just holding on!
Take Action:
Set an intention of your own! Use the framework below to understand key aspects of your intention. Then, incorporate a combination of the strategies to help bridge intention setting into a daily routine:
Review the sample below to further understand the intention-setting framework.
Notice in the sample how the intention and goal work together through identifying core values and purpose.
Directions:
Once you’ve chosen an intention to get started with, incorporate intention setting into your daily routine.
Create a visual: Use a photo, object, or note posted as a phone background, or placed on an office desk
Repetition: Speak out loud, write down, or listen to a recording of your intention when possible to remind yourself often of your purpose.
Make it a Routine: Add the practice of intention setting to a morning or evening routine, when brushing your teeth or having a morning glass of water, to incorporate the intention in your day mindfully.
Connect With Me:
Please feel free to share your intention with me at madeline@totalmotiontraining.com! Please reach out directly if you are constructing your intention and might be looking for ways to incorporate your intention into your routine.