For a human being, it seems impossible to act without an objective. In the moment there is an action, it has a purpose.

Even having no purpose is a purpose.

There are too many occasions on which it isn’t possible to have clarity on the consequences of one’s actions, making it very difficult to define an objective.

But without a clearly defined objective, to remain aware of what is happening, it is relevant to have access to the purpose of our actions. That is where intentions step in. They can describe the purpose, that is if we are aware of them.

Becoming aware of our intention can be done before stepping into the action, usually, it happens by setting an intention or acknowledging one that was there. Such awareness then allows the gap between the intention and the result to become visible. If there is none, one succeeded. If there is one, it provides an opportunity to learn as a difference became visible.

Developing awareness can also happen once the action is over, especially when one realizes that something is amiss. It becomes an opportunity to learn what it is that one wanted, tried to receive, or hoped to achieve.

An intention differs from other forms of goals in its direct link between the intention and the action. That’s what makes it tangible and immediate.

But also why developing awareness and clarity on one’s intention can be so difficult. It obliges us to think about our relationship with, control, success, and failure.