Paul Corke is an executive coach, author, speaker, and considered to be a leading expert on mindset, leadership and innovation. and is also the Managing Director of Paul Corke International an innovative Executive Coaching business. He previously spent 25 years in the corporate world with award-winning results specializing in organizational effectiveness, coaching, employee engagement, talent management, and leadership development with experience in the UK, Ireland, Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
At the start of each year, many people set ambitious New Year’s resolutions and goals they hope to achieve. Yet, within a few weeks, many of these resolutions fall by the wayside. The desire for change is present, but the behavior and mindset often don’t align, leading to frustration and failure.
If you truly want to change, understanding how to think and approach your goals is crucial. This article will explore how setting positive “I Will” intentions, grounded in psychological principles, can transform your approach to change and help you achieve the life you desire.
The power of intentions vs. resolutions
Goals are essential for providing focus and direction in life. Traditionally, we are encouraged to set CSMART goals as Challenging, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. While these goals are effective, they can feel rigid and detached from our daily mindset.
Instead, shifting your focus to setting expectations using powerful language like “I Will” or “I Know I Will” taps into a deeper psychological mechanism. Expectations, unlike resolutions, create a belief system that aligns your actions and thoughts with your desired outcomes. When you confidently expect something to happen, you’re more likely to make it a reality.
The psychology behind “I will” intentions
The language we use has a profound impact on our subconscious mind. Positive affirmations and intentions work by programming the brain to focus on desired outcomes. Psychologists refer to this as the "self-fulfilling prophecy," where believing something will happen causes your thoughts and actions to unconsciously align to make it so.
By stating “I will” instead of “I want” or “I hope,” you:
Signal confidence and commitment to your subconscious mind.
Foster a sense of accountability.
Create a mental shift from passivity to action.
For example, waking up each morning and affirming, “I will make today amazing,” sets a positive tone for your day. Over time, this practice can lead to noticeable changes in your mindset and outcomes.
Steps to set positive “I will” intentions
1. Define your goal
Write down your “I Will” goals. Be clear and concise about what you intend to achieve. For example, instead of saying, “I want to exercise more,” write, “I will exercise three times a week to improve my health.”
2. Break down your goal using CSMART
Ensure your goals are:
Challenging: Is this goal ambitious enough to inspire growth?
Specific: What exactly will you accomplish?
Measurable: How will you track your progress?
Achievable: Is this goal realistic, given your resources and time?
Relevant: Does this goal align with your strengths, values, and broader objectives?
Time-bound: What is your deadline?
3. Leverage your strengths
Identify the strengths and behaviors that will help you achieve your goal. Write affirmations like, “I know I will succeed because I am disciplined and resourceful.” Reflecting on your abilities reinforces self-belief and motivation.
4. Anticipate setbacks
Consider the potential challenges, obstacles, and setbacks as you work towards your goals. For example, if you know time management is a challenge, set aside dedicated blocks of time for your goal. Consider multiple scenarios so that when it does happen, you have considered all of the options and can take positive action.
5. Create accountability & motivation
Accountability keeps you focused and motivated. Consider how committed you are towards achieving your goals by scoring yourself out of 10. Your score should be close to 10, or you will lack the motivation and accountability to achieve the goal. Make the commitment and share it with others who will keep you honest in your pursuit of your goals throughout the year.
6. Visualise success
Visualisation is a powerful tool for achieving your goals. Take a few moments daily to imagine how achieving your goal will feel. Picture the positive changes it will bring to your life and the lives of those around you. This practice reinforces your commitment and inspires action.
Cultivating daily positivity
In addition to goal-setting, daily positive programming can have a profound impact on your mindset. Start each day by affirming, “I will be the best version of myself today,” and approach your actions accordingly. Encourage others to adopt a similar mindset. For example, ask your children to remember the best thing that happened to them each day and discuss it together. This reinforces a habit of focusing on the positive.
Whatever you expect with confidence becomes your reality. By setting positive, “I Will” intentions, you shift your mindset, align your actions with your goals, and create a self-fulfilling cycle of success. This approach goes beyond traditional goal-setting by integrating belief, positivity, and action. Start today by defining your “I Will” intentions and watch how your life transforms over time.
Read more from Paul Corke
Paul Corke, Leadership Innovator, Author & Speaker
Paul Corke is an executive coach, author, speaker, and considered to be a leading expert on mindset, leadership and innovation. and is also the Managing Director of Paul Corke International an innovative Executive Coaching business. He previously spent 25 years in the corporate world with award-winning results specializing in organizational effectiveness, coaching, employee engagement, talent management, and leadership development with experience in the UK, Ireland, Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
With over 25 years dedicated to coaching and mentoring leaders within organisations and with his own clients. His unique blend of innovative techniques and coaching has become a hallmark of his approach to leadership development. Recognised as the No. 1 Health & Wellness Thought Leader by Thinkers 360, Paul is also an accomplished author. His latest book, “Leadership 5.0: The Future of Leadership,” offers profound insights into ground-breaking perspectives on leadership. Paul is an engaging keynote speaker, and his commitment to advancing the field of leadership is evident in his role as a thought leader. His talks and written work underscore his dedication to shaping the future of leadership by challenging norms and fostering a mindset of continuous innovation.
