Living with Purpose: Using the Set an Intention Tool

Setting an intention can transform how students approach their day, their goals, and their interactions. By focusing on how they want to act, feel, or think, the Set an Intention tool helps students bring clarity and purpose to their daily lives. This tool encourages mindfulness, self-awareness, and accountability by guiding students to align their actions with what truly matters to them.

How to Use the Set an Intention Tool

Here’s how students can use the Set an Intention tool to create a meaningful and focused mindset:

1. Identify the Purpose of an Intention
   • Discuss what an intention is and how it differs from a goal. Intentions focus on the present and how students want to approach their day, while goals are specific outcomes.
   • Use the poster’s prompts to help students identify meaningful intentions. For example:
     • “How do you want to act today?”
     • “What kind of mindset do you want to have?”
2. Ensure the Intention Meets the Criteria
   • Guide students to check if their intention is:
     • About something important to them.
     • Possible and within their control.
     • Framed in a positive way (focused on what they want, not what they don’t want).
   • Example intentions:
     • “Today, I will be kind to myself when I make mistakes.”
     • “Today, I will listen carefully when my friends speak.”
3. Create a Plan to Remember the Intention
   • Use the poster’s suggestions to help students keep their intention in mind:
     • Say it out loud: “My intention today is to stay curious.”
     • Write it down: Encourage students to write their intention on a sticky note and place it somewhere visible, like their desk or locker.
     • Set a reminder: Have students use their phone to set reminders that prompt them to reflect on their intention during the day.
4. Reflect on the Intention’s Impact
   • At the end of the day, guide students to reflect on how their intention shaped their actions and mindset:
     • “How did your intention help you today?”
     • “What challenges did you face in sticking to your intention?”
   • Encourage them to adjust or set a new intention for the next day based on their reflections.
5. Make Intention-Setting a Habit
   • Incorporate intention-setting into daily routines, such as the start of the school day, before class transitions, or during family meals.
   • Create an “Intention Board” where students can share and inspire one another with their daily intentions.

Benefits of the Set an Intention Tool for Students

The Set an Intention tool supports students in developing valuable skills and habits, including:

• Mindfulness: Encourages them to focus on the present moment and act with purpose.
• Self-Awareness: Prompts reflection on what truly matters to them.
• Emotional Regulation: Helps students align their thoughts and actions, reducing stress and enhancing focus.
• Accountability: Encourages them to take ownership of their choices and behavior.

By using this tool, students can approach their day with clarity and purpose, improving their overall well-being and effectiveness.

Download the Set an Intention Poster

Help your students live with purpose and mindfulness by downloading the Set an Intention poster today. This practical tool will guide them to align their actions with their values, fostering a sense of achievement and fulfillment every day.