The Power of Intention Setting: How to Step Into Fall with Clarity and Purpose
As summer 2025 winds down and the first crisp breezes of fall arrive, many of us feel the tug of transition. Fall is more than just a change of season—it’s a natural reset point, a chance to pause and consider what matters most as we move into the final stretch of the year.
One of the most powerful tools I return to during these moments of change is intention setting. Whether in leadership, personal growth, or family life, setting intentions helps us stay grounded, aligned, and purposeful—even in times of disruption.
Family Transitions as a Reminder to Pause
This summer brought big milestones for my family, which reminded me just how important intention setting can be.
- My older daughter, Alex began her junior year at the University of Miami. She’s settled into a cozy apartment near campus, diving into her communications and sports administration courses, starting an exciting internship at a communications agency, and (hopefully!) preparing to study abroad in Barcelona next semester.
- My younger daughter, Caitlyn had what she describes as the best summer of her life. She joined a teen tour through the Pacific Northwest, traveling solo and building friendships across the country. Since returning home, her days have been packed with socializing, but like many teens, she’s also facing the bittersweet mix of goodbyes and the anticipation of a challenging school year ahead.
Witnessing both of their journeys reminded me that every season—and every stage of life—invites us to pause and reset our focus.
Practicing Intention Setting at Home
On the night before school started, I invited my husband and Caitlyn to set intentions for the year over dinner. At first, they thought the exercise was a little “hokey,” but they played along—and I even recorded our conversation so we could revisit it throughout the year.
Sharing the practice as a family reminded me that intention setting doesn’t need to be formal or perfect. It simply requires curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to speak (or write) your commitments out loud.
What Is Intention Setting and Why Does It Matter?
Intention setting is the practice of declaring what you want to be, do, or create in your life or leadership. Unlike goals, which are often external and measurable, intentions are inward-facing. They connect you to your values and remind you of what matters most. Here’s why intention setting is so powerful:
- It creates clarity about what you truly care about.
- It helps you stay aligned when distractions or disruptions pull you off course.
- It offers a sense of grounding, especially during times of rapid change.
- It acts as a compass, guiding both small daily choices and long-term decisions.
In today’s fast-changing world, having this kind of anchor is invaluable for leaders, professionals, and families alike.
My Personal Intentions for Fall 2025
Here are some of the intentions I set for myself:
- To support my daughters without being swept up in their ups and downs.
- To create shared experiences with loved ones—from dinners out to meaningful trips.
- To be fully present with my family when I’m not working, and to respect the boundaries I set around work.
- To say no to projects that don’t inspire me and say yes to the ones that light me up.
- To land my first six-figure coaching contract.
- To deepen intimacy and connection with my husband.
- To practice compassion and patience with my parents.
Sharing these publicly adds accountability—not as a way to judge myself harshly, but as a reminder to return to what I care about when I drift off course.
How to Set Your Own Intentions
If you’d like to try intention setting this fall, here are a few simple steps:
- Pause and reflect. Ask yourself: What matters most to me right now?
- Write it down. Capture your intentions in a journal, a note on your phone, or even on a sticky note by your desk.
- Say it out loud. Speaking your intentions gives them power and adds accountability.
- Revisit regularly. Check in with yourself weekly or monthly to realign with your commitments.
What Are Your Intentions for the Rest of 2025?
As summer fades and autumn brings fresh energy, I invite you to pause and ask:
What are your intentions for the rest of 2025—and into 2026?
Whether you’re leading a team, taking on a new professional challenge, navigating family changes, or focusing on personal growth, setting intentions can help you move forward with clarity and purpose.