Many people use milestones like a new year to set any personal goal they want to achieve in the upcoming year. However, those who have set goals that haven't been reached may start to associate goals with failures. While setting goals can motivate you, they can also produce a feeling that what you currently have isn’t enough. Here at SOJI we value doing all things with intention. Setting and living your intentions day to day allows you to focus on who you are in the present moment and your values. Setting daily intentions is a powerful way for you to align your daily motivations with a long term goal. So what are the differences between setting goals and setting intentions?

Goals are for the future, while intentions are for the present.

The issue many people face when setting goals, is that they don't have a day to day objective that they want to achieve, rather just an end goal. Setting intentions allow you to live in the present, rather than always looking for what you hope to happen in the future. When you set intentions you are giving yourself building blocks to better yourself each day.

Goals are external achievements, while intentions are focused on your relationship with yourself and those around you.

Goals often involve an outcome that is visible. Whether it be learning a new skill, achieving better psychical health, or traveling to your dream destination. Goals are typically achieved when you have completed an external task. Intentions put the emphasis on expanding your mind, heart, and values. 

Goals are what you want to do, intentions are about who you want to be.

Goals are specific, timebound, and measurable. They have an outcome that you either achieved or did not achieve. Intentions are daily reminders of who you intend to be and what you intend to achieve in a limited amount of time. They are about who you want to be, what you wish to contribute to the world, and how you choose to touch the lives of others.

By setting intentions, you are teaching yourself to enjoy the journey as much as you enjoy the destination. Intentions give you purpose, as well as the inspiration and motivation to achieve your purpose. The practice of setting daily intentions can change your life. To achieve the ultimate success goals and intentions must meet hand in hand to allow you to better yourself.