In order to create change in our lives, our intentions need to align with how we want to live. Intention is the foundation of our motivations and provides a guide to where we want to go. Our intentions become a part of who we are and the goals we have achieved in our lives so far were motivated by our intentions. One study on driving behaviors found that implementing intentions such as "I am not going to speed" can generate a reduction in speeding. It's important to know what we want and need so that our intentions are shaped based on the specific choices we make. While some habits and traits may be passed down from earlier generations, we have the choice to change our behaviors by putting in the intent, time, patience, and effort. It may be uncomfortable to step outside of our comfort zones, but it's necessary for growth and change.
Nubia Santos, Ph.D.
"The Power of Intentions: How to Create Change in Your Life" cites a study on driving behaviors, which found that implementing intentions such as "I am not going to speed" can generate a reduction in speeding (see Langer, E., & Rodin, J. (1977). Long-term effects of a control-relevant intervention with the institutionalized aged. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 35(12), 897-902).
"The Power of Intentions: How to Create Change in Your Life" cites a recent study on the power of intentions, which found that people who set specific and challenging intentions are more likely to achieve their goals than those who have vague or easy goals (see Håkansson, J., Andersson, D., & Elg, M. (2021). Setting specific and challenging intentions: a review and conceptual framework. Journal of Management, 47(2), 389-420).
