“Most people live their day on default,” says Vishen, the founder and CEO of Mindvalley. “Most of us, when we wake up in the morning, we do not intend how our day is going to unfold.”
No fault of anyone’s, really. It’s just how we were taught.
But setting intentions, according to Vishen, can really change the way you show up. It can help you navigate your choices with purpose—instead of letting them happen to you.
“When you command how you want your day to unfold,” he adds, “you’re going to notice what you told your mind to notice.”
The thing is, intention is quiet. It’s deliberate. And it’s how you stop reacting to life and start creating it.
What does setting intention mean?
Setting an intention is like giving your mind a little nudge about what you want to focus on or how you want to feel. It’s different than writing out a to-do list or obsessing over goals. Instead, it’s about deciding, ahead of time, the approach you want to take to your day, to your month, to your year… or even in a moment.
For example, let’s say you’ve got a big presentation at work. Instead of waking up stressed and hoping for the best, you can take a moment to set an intention like, “I’m going to stay calm and confident, and I’m going to communicate clearly.”
When you command how you want your day to unfold, you’re going to notice what you told your mind to notice.
— Vishen, founder and CEO of Mindvalley
Just giving yourself a little time to set your intentions can shape how you go through your days—from the time you wake up to when you fall asleep. And the best part? Research shows it actually makes it easier to hit your goals because you’re more focused on what matters and more likely to follow through.
But don’t mistake setting intentions as a form of controlling every outcome. Really, as Vishen points out, it’s about aligning yourself with what you value or want to experience. It’s about letting things flow. It’s about living on purpose.
Goals vs. intentions
It’s easy to confuse goal-setting and intention-setting because they both require self-introspection to move forward and improve your life. However, they come from slightly different angles.
Here’s a closer look at one versus the other:
| Goals | Intentions | |
| What they are | Specific outcomes you want to achieve | How you want to show up or feel in the moment |
| Focus | Something you work toward, like finishing a project, losing weight, or saving a certain amount of money | Grounded in the present; more about the energy or mindset you bring to your actions |
| Measurable | Often concrete and measurable | More fluid and can adapt as your day or circumstances change |
| External/internal | External: Usually tied to achieving something tangible or external | Internal: personal and often tied to your values, emotions, or state of being |
| Example | “I want to run a marathon by the end of the year.” | “I want to enjoy and appreciate the process of becoming stronger and healthier.” |
The thing is, goals and intentions don’t compete; instead, they complement each other. While goals are the what, the intentions are the how.
Why is setting intentions important?
When you consciously decide, ahead of time, how you want to feel or what you want to focus on, you’re giving your mind clear instructions. This helps you move through your day with purpose rather than just reacting to whatever comes your way.
Science shows that our brains are wired to notice what we tell them to. For instance, if you buy a new car, you suddenly start seeing that same model everywhere.
Setting intentions works in a similar way: it primes your brain’s reticular activating system to focus on what matters most to you. It’s essentially like manifestation, as Vishen explains, where “we are creating our reality all the time with our [directed] thoughts.”
In practice, this could mean starting your day by thinking, “I want to be calm and open during my team meeting” or “I want to appreciate the little things today.”
And this purposeful practice makes it easier to stay aligned with your goals and values.
10 examples of powerfully set intentions
Knowing exactly how you want your day to feel is a certain kind of power. Even when things go sideways—a traffic jam, a tense meeting, spilling coffee all over your shirt—you’re more likely to brush it off than let it ruin your flow.
If you’re unsure where to start, looking at some setting intentions examples may give you the inspiration you need to create your own. Here are 10 to spark your imagination:
- For personal growth. “I’m going to treat every curveball today as a chance to learn something new, even if it’s just how to laugh it off.”
- For relationships. “I’ll actually listen when people talk today—like, really listen, not just wait for my turn to talk.”
- For productivity. “I’m focusing on what actually matters today and ignoring all the little distractions that don’t.”
- For emotional balance. “When stuff gets messy, I’m choosing to keep my cool and not let it mess with my vibe.”
- For well-being. “I’ll treat my body right today—good food, a little movement, and some chill time if I need it.”
- For mindfulness. “I’m keeping my head where my feet are—no stressing about tomorrow or rehashing yesterday.”
- For creativity. “I’m letting my ideas flow, even if some of them are a little weird. Who cares? That’s how the magic happens.”
- For gratitude. “I’m going to notice the little good things today, even if it’s just a killer cup of coffee or a nice sunset.”
- For leadership. “I’m showing up like the kind of person I’d want to follow—no drama, just leading by example.”
- For alignment. “I’m making choices that feel right for me today, even if they’re not what everyone else expects.”
The great thing about setting intentions is that they don’t have to be perfect or complicated. They just need to feel right for you. And the more you practice, the easier it gets to show up each day with purpose and clarity.
How to set intentions that actually work
At the heart of it all, the endgame of setting intentions is to create and live a fulfilling life. But how do you make sure they aren’t just wishful thinking?
You cannot connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect the dots looking backward.
— Steve Jobs
Turning to Vishen’s insights in his 3 Most Important Questions program on Mindvalley, here’s how to create a directive plan that’ll help you stay aligned, focused, and inspired every day:
1. Get crystal clear on what you want
This isn’t the time for vague ideas like “I want to be happy” or “I want to succeed.” Instead, think in terms of end goals—the things that truly light you up and bring you joy—versus means goals, which are simply the steps to get there.
For instance, don’t stop at “I want a high-paying job” (a means goal). Ask yourself why. Is it about financial freedom? Time with family? Or the ability to travel the world? These are the end goals.
“When people do this exercise, magic erupts,” says Vishen. “Some say it’s synchronicity, coincidence, guardian angels, or the law of attraction. The scientific explanation might be your brain’s reticular activating system.”
By focusing on those end goals that truly spark joy, you’ll not only bring more clarity to your life but also make it easier for the right opportunities to find you.
So don’t hold back—let your imagination go big. After all, when you’re clear, you’re already halfway there.
2. Tie your intentions to your emotions
According to Vishen, things that manifest as you think them are often fueled by how they make you feel, like joy, excitement, love, or peace. So, when you write down your intentions, imagine how you’ll feel when you’ve achieved them.
Let’s take the earlier example of setting intentions around a high-paying job. Think about the emotions tied to it. Is it the peace of knowing you’re debt-free? The excitement of taking your kids on that dream vacation? Or the joy of waking up on a Monday, knowing you have the freedom to choose how you spend your time?
Think about it this way: if you can picture yourself happy and fulfilled instead of just checking off a box on your to-do list, you’re way more likely to stay motivated. Right?
3. Write them down and put them where you’ll see it
Writing down your intentions can make them feel real. Plus, it’s harder to forget something that, as Vishen says, “is constantly in your field of vision.”
Now, let’s say you’re setting intentions for 2025. Create something tangible:
- A vision board filled with images and quotes that resonate,
- A dedicated journal where you revisit your goals daily,
- A sticky note with a single, powerful phrase that keeps you grounded, or
- Make your phone wallpaper a motivational reminder (it’s the screen you see most, after all).
Beyond just having your intentions written down, make them part of your environment. For example, place your vision board near where you meditate or work, so it seamlessly integrates into your day. Or turn your goals into affirmations you say aloud each morning.
By surrounding yourself with these cues, you’re actively making them part of your life, one small moment at a time.
4. Practice visualization and inspiration
Think of visualization as giving your brain a dress rehearsal for the life you want. Close your eyes and imagine your goals as if they’re already happening.
How does it feel? What do you see?
The thing is, this practice helps you believe that what you’re working towards is achievable. What’s more, setting intentions with meditation can create incredible results. As Vishen says, “If you meditate and practice creative visualization, this is also a remarkable tool to get your visualizations concrete.”
To make it more effective, go beyond just imagining—add as many sensory details as possible. Picture the colors, sounds, even the scents of the environment you want to create. For example, if your goal is to travel the world, imagine the breeze on your face as you stand on a mountaintop or the taste of a delicious dish in a new country.
Inspiration fuels this practice, too. Surround yourself with uplifting stories, books, or people who have achieved similar dreams. Their journeys can give you fresh ideas and remind you that what you want is possible.
5. Trust the process and stay open to possibilities
“Focus on the what and the why,” Vishen advises. And the how? It “will come to you.”
This is the beauty of trusting the process. Because life has a way of surprising you when you go with the flow.
Now, this doesn’t mean sitting back and waiting for things to fall into place. It means staying open to the possibilities.
There’s a Steve Jobs quote that Vishen highlights: “You cannot connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect the dots looking backward.” In other words, the unexpected twists and turns often make sense later, shaping a story you couldn’t have imagined.
For example, maybe your goal was to start a business, but an unexpected collaboration opportunity leads you down a better, more exciting path.
And that is the magic of staying open.
6. Reflect and adjust regularly
Life changes, priorities shift, and, sometimes, you just have to reinvent yourself. So when it comes to your intentions, they don’t have to be concrete. It’s as Vishen points out: “You can create a new [list] every year or every month or every week if you want.”
Set aside time—monthly, quarterly, or even weekly—to revisit where your game plan. Reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and why.
Did something unexpected open a new door? Have certain goals taken a backseat while others moved forward?
What can help, also, is journaling or using a simple checklist to track your progress. For example:
- What did I accomplish this month that aligns with my intentions?
- Do any of my goals feel less important or outdated?
- Is there something new I want to add?
As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go. Setting intentions for the new year can help you start fresh, whether you’re aiming for personal growth, stronger relationships, or new adventures.
7. Infuse your intentions into daily actions
Nothing comes out of nowhere, not even your intentions manifested. That’s why it’s important to nurture them like seeds to help them grow—bit by bit, day by day.
As Vishen says, “Perfect days lead to perfect weeks, perfect weeks to perfect months, and perfect months to a perfect year.” But “perfect,” not meaning flawless; instead, meaning small, deliberate actions that add up over time.
Think about what habits or routines support your intentions. Want to live healthier? Start with a short daily workout or prepping meals. Want more joy? Take five minutes each day to practice gratitude.
You can also weave in rituals like using crystals or journaling during a new or full moon. These reflective practices can help solidify your goals and deepen your connection to them.
These little shifts might not seem like much at first, but they’re how you build momentum. Every small step is a promise to yourself—and before you know it, those promises turn into something bigger.
8. Lean on your community for support
Here’s a story Vishen shares in his 3 Most Important Questions program: Mariana was a Mindvalley programmer who wanted to hike Nepal. She found other employees of the company who had the same intention, pulled them together, and they all hiked the Himalayas together.
“I love it when things like that happen,” he recollects, “collaborative goal attainment.”
But that’s the beauty of building a community. You create space for collaboration, accountability, and unexpected magic. They can cheer you on or share their own journeys to keep you inspired.
So, don’t go it alone. Find your people, share your goals, and invite them to join the ride. You’ll not only feel more motivated but also realize you’re part of something bigger—a network of people all moving toward their own unique dreams, together.
BONUS: A proven intention-setting template
Setting intentions becomes so much easier when you’ve got a simple framework to follow. And if you’re looking for a little extra motivation, this quick video is a perfect starting point.
It’s designed to give you a sneak peek into how the 3 Most Important Questions method can help you organize your thoughts, set meaningful end goals, and stay inspired.
Watch the video, download the template, fill it in, and let your intentions lead the way.
Awaken your unstoppable
Remember how Vishen talked about living your day on default? Most of us don’t mean to let life just happen to us—it’s just how we’ve been taught. But the 3 Most Important Questions program is your chance to break free from that cycle.
In just six days, you’ll learn how to design your life with clarity, purpose, and meaning. Vishen’s method will help you map out the experiences, growth, and contributions that matter most to you—so you can stop reacting to life and start creating it.
The best part? It’s free, quick, and proven to work.
Thousands have already used it to craft extraordinary lives, like Kerry Fisher, who said, “As a result of the 3 MIQs, I have written 4 books and am about to actually publish my first one! I am also in the midst of creating an online course, which I plan to be the first of many.” Since then, she’s published at least three books, proving how transformative this process can be.
Start the free program today and see how setting intentions can transform the way you show up—not just in your day, but in your life.
Welcome in.
