Intention Setting vs. Goal Setting: Growing Your Garden of Balance

Hey friend, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to bring more balance into life lately.

As I’ve been recovering from burnout, one thing that’s helped me is looking at life like a flower garden. You know how a garden needs a mix of sunshine, rain, and care to flourish?

That’s what intention setting and goal setting feel like to me—different, but equally important ways of nurturing growth.

What Are Goals?

Think of goals as the seeds you plant in your garden. They’re specific and focused on what you want to grow.

Maybe you want a row of daisies or a patch of tulips—that’s your goal. Goals give you something tangible to work toward, like:

• Planting 10 new flower bulbs this season.

• Harvesting enough herbs to make your own tea blend.

• Creating a vibrant wildflower patch by the end of summer.

  
  

But sometimes, focusing solely on the outcome can be stressful. What if a storm comes, or the seeds don’t sprout exactly as planned?

That’s where intentions come in.

What Are Intentions?

Intentions are like the care and love you bring to your garden every day.

They’re about how you show up, not just for the results but for the process.

Intentions might look like:

• Nurturing your plants with patience and joy.

• Appreciating the beauty of your garden, even if it’s not perfect.

• Embracing the rhythm of the seasons, knowing growth takes time.

  
  

Intentions remind us that growth isn’t just about the final bloom—it’s about the care we pour into the soil.

Why Both Matter

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Goals and intentions are like sunlight and water. You need both to grow a thriving garden. Goals provide structure, like deciding to water your plants every morning. Intentions bring meaning, reminding you to enjoy the quiet moments in your garden as you tend to it.

For example, you might set a goal to spend 10 minutes each day pulling weeds.

Your intention could be to create a peaceful space where your flowers can thrive. If life gets busy and you miss a day, your intention reminds you that the garden will still be there, ready for your care when you return.

How to Use Both in Your Life

1. Plant the Seeds (Reflection)

   • Ask yourself: What do I want to grow in my life? What kind of garden do I dream of?

   • Journal about how you want to feel as you nurture that dream.

     
     

2. Set Realistic Goals

   • Choose goals that feel manageable and exciting. Think of them as the seeds you’re planting. For example, if your intention is to nurture self-care, your goal could be to spend 15 minutes each day journaling or meditating in your favorite spot in the garden.

     
     

3. Tend to the Garden (Celebrate Small Wins)

   • Celebrate each little sprout of progress. Whether it’s a flower blooming or you simply enjoying a moment of quiet, every step counts.

     
     

4. Adapt to the Seasons

   • Life, like a garden, has its seasons. Some days will be easier than others. Revisit your goals and intentions, and adjust as needed. Remember, even a garden needs time to rest.

     
     

Find Your 15 in the Garden of Life

My "Find Your 15" is like giving your garden a little extra care each day. Spend 15 minutes nurturing your flowers—whether those flowers are journaling, meditation, or literal blooms in your backyard. Each moment adds up to a more vibrant, thriving space.

A Final Thought

Recovering from burnout has taught me that life isn’t about having a perfectly manicured garden. It’s about showing up with love and care, even when weeds pop up or blooms take longer than expected.

By blending intentions and goals, we can create a garden that’s both beautiful and resilient.

Self-Care Daily Practice Journal

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Invitation to Act:

 Take 15 minutes today to step into your garden—whether it’s a physical space or a metaphor for your life.

Set an intention for how you want to feel and plant a small goal to help you get there. Let’s grow something beautiful together.

Anything you want

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