The Nature of Intention
Everything we do, every action we take, begins somewhere. It starts with a simple thought, a spark of desire, a moment wondering “What if…?” This is where all creation and transformation begins~ In INTENTION. It’s an amazingly powerful force. If you look closely you can see what starts in intention, just a tiny thought, carries the power to ripple outwards, influencing not just what we do but ultimately who we become. All of our accomplishments, success, and who we grow to be, can all be traced back to that first intention.
Lets break down this beautiful process.
1.) First, it is an Intention.
Every change in life begins with intention. Whether it’s the desire to improve your health, nurture relationships, or develop a new skill, you have to set a conscious goal. Intentions are the seeds of change. They are your inner voice telling you there’s something more, something better, that you can create or achieve. Without this initial spark, nothing new can begin. It’s your decision to pursue something meaningful to you.
2.) Then, it becomes a Behavior
Once intention is set, the next step is action. Your intentions start to guide your behaviors. What you do daily -no matter how small- reflects the direction you’re heading in. If your intention is to practice more self-care, for example, you’ll start with small changes like taking more time to yourself or introducing relaxing routines. Behaviors are the first visible signs of change; they are your intentions in motion.
3.) Then, it becomes a Habit
With repetition, behaviors become habits. The more you consistently act on your intention, the more it becomes an ingrained part of your daily life. At this stage, you don’t have to think about doing it as much- it becomes automatic. Habits are powerful because they help you sustain change with less effort. Whether it’s a new exercise routine, journaling, or practicing mindfulness, habits provide structure and make it easier to maintain your progress.
4.) Then, it becomes a Practice
Over time, your habits evolve into a regular practice. Now you’re not just occasionally doing something; you’re committed to it. It’s an ongoing, intentional effort. A practice is deeper that a habit, because a practice is apart of your mindset, a rooted dedication to growth. Whether it’s focusing on your health and wellness, or working towards a personal goal, this practice becomes a central part of your life. It brings purpose and meaning to your actions, reinforcing the intention you began with.
5.) Then, it becomes second Nature
At this stage, your practice becomes second nature. You no longer have to remind yourself to act- it flows effortlessly from who you are. You intention has been woven into the fabric of your daily life. What once took effort now happens naturally. The new way of being is aligned with your true self, and you move through life with ease and confidence in this new rhythm.
6.) Then, its Who You Are
Finally, your intention transforms into identity. The process of change is complete- you no longer “do” the the thing; you “are” the thing. You become someone who practices self-care daily, someone who nurtures self-love, someone who prioritizes health or creativity. It’s no longer something you have to think about or work toward- it’s simply who you are. That original intention which came from the core of your being, has become the core of your being.
Change is a Journey
It starts with a simple spark of intention- a desire to grow, heal, or move closer to your ideal life. But too often, we find ourselves stuck before the journey gets to truly begin.
Maybe you’ve experienced it: you have the right intentions to make a change, take a few steps forward with that intention, and then stall, unsure of how to bridge the gap between intention and action, or action and habit.
This stagnation is common, and it definitely DOE’S NOT mean you’re incapable of change. It simply means there’s an opportunity to understand yourself better, identify the roadblocks, and find tools to move forward.
Start by asking yourself why you get stuck.
1.) Is it fear of failure?
The thought of trying and not succeeding can paralyze us. Fear whispers, “What if you fail? What if you can’t maintain this?” This fear can keep us in a state of inertia, where it simply feels safer to dream, then to ever risk disappointment.
2.) Is it that you feel overwhelmed?
Change can feel massive and intimidating, especially when we look at the whole journey instead of the next small step. The weight of “everything that needs to change” can stop us from starting anything at all.
3.) Is it a lack of clarity?
Vague goals like “Get healthier” or “Be happier” make it hard to act. Without a clear vision, we don’t know where to focus our energy. We don’t begin, because we can’t see where to.
4.) Is it resistance to discomfort?
Change disrupts what feels familiar. Even when the familiar isn’t serving us, it’s comfortable because it’s known. Moving toward the unknown requires us to tolerate the discomfort of growth.
5.) Do you avoid the emotional work?
We often try to create external change without addressing the internal emotions or beliefs that hold us back. For example, wanting to save money but feeling unworthy of financial stability. Or wanting a loving relationship, but feeling unworthy of love. Our limiting beliefs often get in the way of taking action on what we really want.
So once you’ve identified how or why you are getting stuck how do you overcome it and move forward?
1.) Start small!!! And celebrate every little win!
The feeling of overwhelm loses it grip when you focus your attention on just one small actionable step. Diets fail because they require you to entirely overhaul how you eat, quickly. But if you focus on just taking out one small thing from your diet, or adding in one small thing, then that starting point that becomes a habit you can build on.
2.) Redefine Failure
Instead of fearing failure, reframe it as feedback. Each misstep is an opportunity to learn what works and what doesn’t work. Progress isn’t a straight line, and that’s perfectly okay.
3.) Create Clarity
Be specific about what you want and why. Instead of “be healthier,” try “walk for 20 minutes a day to improve my energy and mood” A clear goal makes action possible.
4.) Focus on the Feeling!
Connect with the emotional rewards of change. How will you FEEL when this change becomes a reality? Make a active choice to have that feeling be what you focus on anytime discomfort arises.
5.) Anchor New Habits
Pair new actions with existing routines. For example, if you’re trying to journal daily, tie it to something you already do, like drinking your morning coffee, or going over your morning schedule. If you are trying to add in exercise, pair it with your daily shower. Tie your new goals to something you are already in the habit of doing.
6.) Address the Inner Work
Reflect on what might be holding you back emotionally. Are there limiting beliefs or fears tied to this change? Journaling, therapy, or even having a honest conversation with yourself can help break down there barriers.
7.) Embrace Accountability and Support
Share your goals with someone who will encourage and cheer you on. Whether that’s a friend, coach or community, having support makes the process less isolating.
8.) Visualize Success
Close your eyes right now and imagine yourself living the change you desire! Visualizing success trains your brain to believe it’s possible and primes you for action!
From Action to Habit
Once you’ve started, the key is repetition. Habits form when actions become automatic. Do whatever works for you to bridge this gap. Set reminders, write sticky notes and place them where you will see them often, or use habit tacker to keep your new actions at the top of your mind. Reward yourself along the way. Positive reinforcement solidifies habits. Create milestones and enjoy the process. And remember to be patient and kind to yourself. No matter how badly we want something change doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself grace as you adjust to new rhthms.
This Journey from intention to identity is a gradual but powerful process! It requires patience and consistency, but the reward is always profound. Each step you take brings you closer to becoming the person you aspire to be. The key is to start with a clear intention, take small steps toward it, and allow the process to unfold naturally. Transformation doesn’t need to happen overnight. With time, what once felt foreign will feel familiar. What was once a desire will become a reality. And what began as a single intention will shape your very essence, becoming simply who you are.
Embrace the Nature of Intention. It’s all you need to prove you already have the capacity to become the person you dream of being~ One step at a time.
