Goals vs. Intentions (and Why Both Matter)

There’s something about January that makes us all want to hit the reset button. But if you’re already feeling a little disconnected from those big New Year’s goals, you certainly won’t be alone.

We’ve all set goals, “This year I’ll…!” only to watch our motivation fizzle out somewhere between the leftover Christmas chocolates and the first couple of weeks back at work. And that’s okay! Because what if the missing piece isn’t more willpower, but a shift in how we approach change in the first place?

Goals: The Roadmap

Goals are brilliant for giving us direction. They’re the milestones we aim for: “I want to sign three new clients by March,” or “I’ll finally launch my website by April.” Goals help us break big dreams into bite-sized, doable steps and there’s a real sense of satisfaction in ticking them off.

But goals can sometimes feel like a to-do list we never quite finish. If life gets busy and shit happens, those goals can start to feel heavy, overwhelming and something you probably won’t end up ticking off!

Intentions: The Heartbeat

Intentions are a little softer, but just as powerful. They’re about how you want to feel, who you want to be, and the energy you want to bring into your business and life. Think of intentions as the gentle but steady heartbeat behind your actions: “I intend to show up with curiosity and confidence,” or “I intend to be kinder to myself as I grow.”

Intentions are flexible and forgiving. They give you permission to reset and refocus, even if your plans go sideways. They keep you anchored to your ‘why’ so you don’t lose yourself in the hustle.

So, what could it look like if we took our goals and approached them with intention?

• Goal: Post on Instagram three times a week.

  Intention: Share my authentic voice and connect with my community whenever I feel inspired.

• Goal: Sign five new clients by March.

  Intention: Approach every conversation with curiosity and confidence.

• Goal: Launch my website by April 1st.

  Intention: Enjoy the creative process and share my passion with others.

• Goal: Work out three times a week.

  Intention: Move my body in ways that feel good and energise me.

• Goal: Reduce working hours to 30 per week.

  Intention: Create more space for rest and family, trusting my business will thrive.

Why Pair Them?

When you combine a clear goal with a supportive intention, you get the best of both worlds: direction and meaning. Goals map out where you want to go. Intentions keep you fuelled and resilient when the road gets bumpy.

So, as we settle into this new year, let’s try something different. Set the goals that light you up, but let your intentions guide you, especially on the tough days.

And remember: progress, not perfection, is the name of the game.

Pour yourself another brew, take a breath, and let’s keep cheering each other on, one intention, one goal, one honest conversation at a time.