Welcome back to The Conscious Edge Podcast, where we dive deep into creating wealth and well-being from a whole human experience. I’m your host, Alecia St. Germain, joined by my incredible co-host, Jonathan Dugger. This week, we explored the transformative power of intention-setting, a practice that goes beyond goal setting to align your life and business with what truly matters to you.
If you’ve been experiencing burnout from chasing rigid goals or disconnected from your purpose, this episode is for you. Together, Jonathan and I unpacked the benefits of setting intentions and actionable tips to help you harness this powerful practice.
Why Set Intentions?
Jonathan explains that intention setting is nothing new. He explains that intentions are more than just aspirations, they’re rooted in aligning your actions with your core values. For this conversation, the idea of setting intentions related to mindfulness, and a way of being as you pursue the goals and opportunities ahead.
Here are three key benefits we discussed:
Flexibility for Changing Times:
Intentions create space for adaptability. High-achievers often pursue goals with a locked-in mindset, which can work if everything goes perfectly. That’s not reality for any of us. Life is unpredictable, and rigid goals can become joyless grinds. Jonathan put it best:
“Intentions allow for adaptability based on our ever-changing lives, circumstances, and feelings.”
Mindfulness in the Moment:
Being intentional encourages presence, helping you focus on the process instead of obsessing over outcomes. This fosters clarity and better decision-making. Mindfulness simply encourages us to stay present and aware and focus on the process rather than the outcome.
That may sound counterintuitive to task completion, but it’s not. Jonathan explains it like this: when you focus in a non-judgmental way as an observer to the direction or the path that something is taking, you are constantly aware of any adjustments that need to be made, or of any potential pitfalls.
It keeps you from making poor decisions because of past trauma or future fear so you stay present and relevant to the task at hand.
Personal Growth:
Intention is personal. Intentions promote self-reflection and ensure your actions align with your authentic self. This connection is essential for sustaining energy and purpose in your work. Jonathan references mindful planning as an attitude to allow yourself to focus on what’s right in front of you in alignment with the original intention you’ve set.
How to Set Intentions:
Reflect on Your Values:
Take time to explore what truly matters to you. Without this clarity, intentions can feel empty or misaligned. What’s your why? Consider what truly matters to you, what is truly yours?
Be Specific, But Open:
Define your intentions clearly, but remain flexible to unexpected opportunities. Through self-discovery, you’re likely going to uncover things you didn’t even realize were there. Jonathan emphasized:
“Articulate your intentions clearly, but remain open to how they unfold and evolve.”
Use Affirmative Language:
Frame your intentions with positivity and focus on what you want to invite into your life. This isn’t about ignoring challenges, but about staying energized and focused on the things that bring growth, joy and the opportunity for new experiences.
Revisit Regularly:
Life changes, and so should your intentions. Check in with yourself to ensure your actions still align with your values. Do your intentions still resonate with where you are today? Our values and intentions may change as we grow and have new experiences so checking in ensures you stay aligned.
Wealth is more than financial gain, it’s about building a life filled with joy, meaningful connections, and aligned actions. Together, we can create a space where your dreams are not just achievable but deeply fulfilling.
Your journey is as unique as your intentions. I’d love to hear what resonated with you from this episode. DM me on Instagram @aleciastg, and keep this dialogue going.
Sending you so much love and be well!
Resource:
Creating a Calendar That Feels Fun