Why Goal Setting, Mindset & Intentions Matter (More Than You Think)
Achieving your goals doesn’t happen just by setting them
Here are some of my favorite science-backed methods to making your goals a reality.
As we flip the calendar to a new season, many of us feel that familiar pull telling us “this time should be different”. But what separates a year of forgotten resolutions from a year of meaningful growth isn’t luck…it’s intentional action rooted in a strong mindset.
Goal setting isn’t just about writing down a list of things you want to do. It’s about getting clear on what you truly want, why it matters, and how you’re going to get there. When you approach your goals with purpose and intention, you give your brain the roadmap it needs to start recognizing opportunity and direction.
This post will share some inspiration and guidance to better achieve your goals this year— plus a whole section on vision boards and creating your very own!
The Power of Mindset
Your mindset, or the way you think about your goals and your ability to achieve them, is one of the most significant predictors of success.
A growth mindset reminds you that setbacks are part of learning, not signs you should quit. When something goes wrong, it isn’t viewed as a “failure” but instead as an opportunity.
An intentional mindset keeps your priorities aligned with your values rather than distractions and noise.
This shift in perspective changes your relationship with your goals. Instead of goals feeling like pressure points or “shoulds,” they become personal commitments you choose to pursue. With an empowered mindset, intentional goals become habits, and habits become results.
Intentions: Your Inner Compass
Intentions aren’t the same as goals (although they often overlap). While goals are specific outcomes you want to achieve, intentions are the way you want to show up while working toward them.
For example:
Goal: Launch a new business by June.
Intention: Be consistent, curious, and patient with the process.
When you set intentions, you reinforce the energy and attitude you want to bring to your goals. It turns goal-setting into a holistic practice that supports well-being, clarity, and fulfillment. Because what is the point of setting and achieving goals if they do not line up with the person you want to be, or the legacy you want to leave? While that may sound morbid, its true. What’s the point of striving for something if it’s not in line with our big desires?
Being really set on my intentions and how I want to show up was a huge part of the reason I achieved what I did in 2025— it is also the tool I am using to improve the areas that are slacking 🥴
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What Is a Vision Board—and Why It Works
One powerful tool that brings clarity to your goals and intentions is a vision board—a visual representation of your dreams, plans, and aspirations. In its simplest form, it’s a collage of images, words, quotes, and symbols that paint the life you want to create.
But vision boards aren’t just pretty pictures. They work because they tap into real psychology and neuroscience:
Visual Priming: Regularly looking at images of what you want keeps those goals active in your mind. This helps your attention naturally filter for opportunities that align with what you want to achieve. (source)
Motivation Boost: Connecting emotionally to your goals makes them feel possible instead of distant.
Clarity & Focus: The act of choosing what to put on your vision board forces you to clarify what matters most—what’s worth your energy and time.
Think of your vision board as a daily reminder and an intentional way to remind yourself of what you have chosen as important!
How to Make Your Vision Board (Step-by-Step)
I love me a good goal-setting and vision board sesh. There is something really motivating and inspiring about actually seeing your goals come to life visually. Whether you want a physical board on your wall or a digital version on your phone, here’s how to create one that actually supports your goals:
Step 1: Reflect & Clarify
Take time to think deeply about what you want:
What are your big goals this year or over the next few years?
What values do you want to honor?
How do you want to feel while working toward those goals?
Write these down first—this reflection becomes your foundation.
Step 2: Gather Images & Words
Collect visuals that represent your goals. These can come from magazines, printouts, or digital images from Pinterest, Canva, or stock photo sites. Look for pictures that spark joy and inspiration.
Step 3: Arrange Your Board
Glue or arrange the images and words in a way that speaks to you. You might group them by themes like health, career, relationships, or personal growth—or mix them organically. There’s no right or wrong here.
Step 4: Display It Somewhere You’ll See It
Place your vision board where you’ll see it daily—above your desk, by your mirror, or set it as your phone/computer background. The more you engage with it, the more your brain will prioritize what matters.
For all of 2025, I had a digital vision board as my background. I also have a smaller, physical vision board on the inside cover of my planner. It ensured that, between the two, I was regularly seeing a representation and reminder of what and how I wanted to show up.
Vision Board Date Night, Girls’ Night, and other fun times to dream together!
Over the last few years, my husband and I have set aside a night to create a vision board together for the upcoming year. It ‘s a great opportunity for us to connect and intetionally dream together. It also makes sure that we are in line with our plans and intentions for the coming year.
Sometimes, it is easy to just assume you and your spouse are in sync with what you’re striving towards… until you realize you’re not. A fun date night, creating a shared vision board is an easy way to make sure that your plans actually line up.
This is also such a fun activity for a girls’ night, self-care project, or something inspiring to do with your kiddos!
Vision Board Inspiration
While planning my own vision board, I always love getting inspiration from others. I love seeing aesthetic images, other people’s goals, and their unique creativity. I find that it helps to prime my own creativity! Here are some of my fave vision boards (plus credit to the creators!)
This was my laptop screensaver for all of 2025. Anytime I was getting ready to work, I was reminded of how I wanted to show up in my work— soft, gentle, and in line with my personal and professional goals.
credit @maddyhaller
credit: @emiliefaraut
Bringing It All Together: Intentions + Action
A vision board is powerful only when paired with action.
Here’s the magic recipe:
Define your goals.
Set intentions that support who you want to be.
Use a vision board to keep these at the forefront of your mind.
Break goals into actionable steps— think of creating the step-by-step plan towards your goal.
Remove as much friction as possible. THIS is maybe the most looked-over step, but may be the most important. You aren’t just going to start doing something you’ve never done. Your brain needs it to feel easy to become a true habit… because motivation won’t last forever.
Vision boards help you see your dreams. Goal setting helps you plan the path. And your mindset and intentions help you show up consistently.
The dreams you place on your board aren’t just words and pictures—they become daily reminders of who you are and where you’re going. And that makes all the difference.
What are some of the goals you are hoping to achieve in the new year?! I’d love to hear from you!
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