Intention Instead of a Plan

The difference between intention and a plan is a foundational one.

A plan is built by the mind, from the outside. A plan has a goal, a number, a deadline. A plan succeeds or fails. A plan is judged by the world.

Intention wells up from within. Intention is tied to God. Even when it does not reach the outward result, intention is a source of calm. Intention carries a common good. Intention is not ambitious. Intention is not limiting.

When you work with intention, every step you take is a step toward God — even if outwardly you do not arrive at what you wanted. In truth, the apparent not-arriving is itself part of the path.

Intention is a wordless prayer. Intention says: “God, I begin this work with the intention of You.”

A plan is a tool. Intention is a direction. Without intention, plans become exhausting. With intention, even the simplest task is worship.