Power Tool: Goal vs. Intent

A Coaching Power Tool Created by Kristyn M. Lang
(Career and Life Coach, UNITED STATES)

Intent:

Intent is defined as a heightened focus and determination towards one specific thing. It is the underlying belief that is motivating all your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Intent can be something that an individual is aware of or it can be something that an individual may not fully understand. However, Intent is always a powerful force in our lives.

Goal:

The term “goal” can be described as the purpose toward which an endeavor is directed, an objective, or an outcome. It is moving from an existing state to a desired state or outcome. This is a conscience action and decision that and individual will make.

Coaching Application:

There are times when people set goals in their lives but are not able to achieve them. Part of this problem could be that their goal is not aligned with their intent, or their underlying belief.

For example, Sally wants to graduate from her masters degree. Therefore, she sets a goal to complete her courses by June. June comes and goes and sally is no where nearer to completing her degree. It turns out that sally works full time and has a family. She strongly believes that it is important to spend time with her family so even though her goal is to finish school, her intent in the moment is to spend time with her family. By coming to this realization, Sally was able to see why she was not achieving her goal. She was able to set aside designated work, family, and school time so that she can fit it the time she needs to complete her goal and fulfill her intent.

Because your intent can be subconscious it is important to explore the true desires behind wanted actions and outcomes. When deciding what you want as a goal, it is also important to address why you want this and what beliefs you have that make this goal valuable to you. This understanding will help reinforce that you goals are aligned with your intent. Therefore, you will be able to better achieve you goals by making sure your actions towards your goal are also aligned with your beliefs.