Why Intention Isn’t Enough – Remarkable TV

I’m here today to remind you of something important: Intention isn’t enough.

Now, you’ve probably heard me talk about the power of intention before. And don’t get me wrong—intention matters. It’s what helps us break free from old habits, shift our thinking, and set a new course. Without intention, we’d just run on autopilot, repeating the same routines without much thought.

But as useful and powerful as intention is, it’s only a starting point. Intention alone doesn’t create change.

The Difference Between Deciding and Doing

Think about it like this: intention is a decision—a choice to do something differently. Maybe you’ve decided to handle a tough conversation better, pursue a new goal, or stick to your New Year’s resolution this time. That decision is important. But intention isn’t action.

There’s a gap between deciding and doing.

Imagine you’re trying to light a bonfire. Intention is like striking the match—it sparks something, but it doesn’t give you the roaring fire you’re looking for. Without the kindling, the fuel, and the effort to build it up, the match fizzles out.

It’s the same with change. Intention starts the process, but action is what moves the needle.

Why Intention Isn’t Enough

The truth is, we often stop at intention because it feels good to make a decision. We get a little boost of confidence when we say, “I’m going to do this differently.” But without action, that intention remains just an idea—a good thought that never materializes into meaningful results.

So, whether your intention is to improve a relationship, handle a meeting differently, or finally tackle that personal goal, remember this: intention is only step one.

Moving from Intention to Action

If intention isn’t enough, what does it take to make real progress?

1. Get Clear on Your Next Step
   Intention is broad: “I want to be better at listening.” Action is specific: “In today’s meeting, I’m going to ask two questions to show I’m engaged.” Focus on what you can do right now.
2. Start Small
   You don’t need to build the whole bonfire in one go. Start with the kindling. Take a small, meaningful action that builds momentum.
3. Follow Through Consistently
   Change happens over time. Commit to taking action daily or weekly. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Intention is important—it helps us break free from the status quo. But it’s rarely enough on its own. If you want to see real change, you have to pair intention with action. You have to strike the match and build the fire.

So, what’s one intention you’ve been holding onto? More importantly, what’s one action you can take today to move it forward?

Let’s not just decide to make a change—let’s actually do it.

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