Harnessing the Power of a Good Intention
What are good intentions, and why do they matter?
Hi, I’m Ryan Zofay, and if there’s anything my life has taught me, it’s that a good intention can shape your actions to create positive outcomes. In its simplest form, a good intention is a compass—a guiding principle that helps us act with purpose and mindfulness. But what makes an intention truly “good”? How can we ensure our “good intentions” lead to meaningful results? Let’s explore the 5 W’s of a good intention together, and I’ll share how a good intention in concept and practice has shaped my life and inspired countless others to rewrite their stories.
My firsthand perspective on unlocking the core of success through good intentions
My Journey and Lessons Unlocking the Core of Success Through Good Intentions
I’ve learned that success isn’t about luck or circumstance but intentionality, seeking a good intention to create positive outcomes. The foundation of my personal development philosophy is rooted in a good intention. A good intention serves as the compass guiding us toward meaningful actions and consequences. Having lived through adversity, addiction, and transformation, I know firsthand how powerful good intentions can be when paired with deliberate action.
Good intentions are the foundation of everything I do in my personal development coaching and my life’s mission. I’ve learned that while skill, strategy, and perseverance are crucial, it all begins with a good intention behind your actions. A good intention that’s firm and positive can transform pain into purpose, setbacks into stepping stones, and adversity into triumph.
A good intention to rewrite my life story
I know this firsthand because my journey was anything but easy. At five years old, I experienced an unimaginable loss when my sister passed away. The ripple effect of that tragedy shattered my family, leading to divorce, addiction, and violence. My childhood was filled with chaos. My mother, struggling with her demons, coerced me into stealing to support her addiction. I found myself in and out of juvenile detention, accumulating 27 felonies before I was even an adult. By 17, I was pronounced dead at the scene of a crime, but I was given a second chance—a moment of mercy that changed everything.
How A Good Intention Shaped My Life
That second chance with a good intention was the fuel to spark my new life. I made a conscious choice to rewrite my story. I chose sobriety. I chose personal development. I decided to learn, grow, and elevate myself and everyone around me. Despite having only a seventh-grade education, I refused to let my past define me. I surrounded myself with mentors, embraced the teachings of leaders like Tony Robbins, and committed to a life of transformation.
While my story began in chaos and tragedy, a good intention transformed my trajectory. Losing my sister at a young age and witnessing my mother’s struggles with addiction and abuse created a turbulent environment. I faced life in prison, but when a judge gave me one last chance, I finally realized that a good intention with purposeful change could propel my recovery and success. I chose sobriety and a path of self-improvement, transforming my life into one of purpose and impact.
Good intentions became the cornerstone of my journey. They helped me rewrite my narrative—from being pronounced dead at a crime scene to becoming the founder of We Level Up, a $100+ million company dedicated to helping others overcome behavioral health challenges. This transformation taught me that success is not accidental; it’s intentional.
Today, as the founder and partner of We Level Up drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, which employ over 600 people and generate over $120 million in revenue, I can see how a good intention can produce marvelous results. But more importantly, we’ve helped thousands of individuals break free from the chains of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, and despair, reclaim their lives. That impact stems from the intention behind our mission: to help people level up and become their best selves.
My Meaning of a Good Intention
Good intentions are more than just positive thoughts; they are purposeful desires to achieve good for ourselves and others. To define good intentions, we must understand its essence—the seeds of greatness require nurturing through action and consistency. As good intentions quotes sayings go, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” reminding us that intent alone is not enough. True success comes from aligning a good intention with impactful actions.
Good Intentions in Personal Development Coaching
My coaching programs emphasize the power of setting a good intention for growth and prosperity. Good intentions are not just about achieving goals but about living with purpose. Here’s how I help clients integrate a good intention into their day-to-day lives:
- Clarity: Define what you truly want to achieve.
- Alignment: Ensure your actions reflect your intentions.
- Consistency: Commit to your goals daily.
- Reflection: Evaluate your progress and refine your approach.
When clients assume good intent in themselves and others, they foster better communication, deeper connections, and a more compassionate mindset.
Good Intentions Quotes That Inspire Action
Here are my favorite good intention quotes that resonate deeply with my philosophy:
- “Good intentions are the seeds of greatness but only grow when watered with action and consistency”.
- “Without knowledge, good intentions are good for nothing”4.
- “Intent without action is the muse of those who wish to be the hero without stepping onto the battlefield”.
These quotes about good intentions remind us that while setting a good intention matters, it must be paired with deliberate effort to create meaningful change.
Lessons from My Journey: Turning Adversity into Triumph
My transformation wasn’t easy—it required resilience, forgiveness, and a commitment to personal growth. Here’s how making and practicing a good intention ties into my life success lessons:
- Intentional Living: Success begins with setting clear intentions for your life.
- Actionable Steps: Pair your intentions with consistent actions to achieve results.
- Empathy: Assume positive intent in others to build stronger relationships.
- Growth Mindset: Use adversity as a catalyst for self-improvement.
These principles guide my coaching practice at my Ryan Zofay’s Breakthrough Coaching Center, where I help individuals unlock their potential by aligning their intentions with purposeful actions.
My good intentions book
If you’re looking for resources to deepen your understanding of good intent, consider exploring books like An Unlikely Businessman (my own story) or titles that delve into personal development philosophies. These works provide insights into how intentionality shapes success.
The Power of a Good Intention
Good intentions are transformative when paired with action. They’ve guided me from adversity to triumph, shaping my journey as a personal development expert. Whether pursuing sobriety, building a business, or improving relationships, start by setting a good intention. Remember that success isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about living intentionally daily.
Through coaching and mentorship, I’ve shared my journey on some of the biggest personal development stages, reaching thousands in person and online. My book, The Unlikely Businessman, reflects my belief that success is possible no matter where you start if you align your actions with the right intentions.
The power of a good intention is that it serves as a guiding force. When your heart is in the right place, even the most daunting challenges become opportunities. I’ve faced pain, trauma, and overwhelming obstacles, but my intention has always been to grow, to serve, and to inspire. And because of that, I’ve turned my darkest moments into a beacon of light for others.
If there’s one lesson I want to impart, it’s this: success isn’t just about what you do; it’s about why you do it. Set a good intention for yourself, and everything else will follow.
Please follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn to join this journey of resilience, transformation, and personal growth. Let’s level up together.
For more insights on personal growth and success coaching, visit my personal development blog. There, you’ll find tools to help you align your intentions with impactful actions.
Related Resources
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Table of Contents
What is a Good Intention?
Define a good intention, and you’ll uncover something inherently simple yet incredibly impactful. A good intention is a conscious choice to act with positivity, kindness, and authenticity. It’s not just about wanting to do good—it’s about aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with those values.
Early in my recovery and reinvention, I had to learn this the hard way. I often grappled with conflicting ideas of what I wanted versus what was good for others (and ultimately, myself). But my life shifted dramatically when I began to assume good intent in my interactions and set purposeful goals. Today, I pass on this concept to those I mentor through business and online life coach training, inspiring them to lean into authenticity and integrity.
Why Do Good Intentions Matter?
The meaning of good intentions goes far deeper than we might initially think. They’re the seed for growth—both personal and professional. Good intentions create a ripple effect with wide bands to support and grow favorable results.
Consider this quote about good intentions: “Good intentions don’t just pave the way—they are the way.” Intentions influence our mindset, relationships, and decisions. Setting an intention clarifies your actions and reinforces a sense of purpose.
For example, operating with good intent fosters trust and understanding. This is particularly impactful for people in recovery; I’ve seen people overcome unimaginable hardship by learning to set intentions rooted in self-compassion and resilience.
Who Benefits from Good Intentions?
Here’s the beauty of good intentions—they don’t just transform your life; they impact everyone around you. Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or in recovery, intentions help you connect deeper with others and live in alignment with your values.
As a motivational and inspirational speaker at events or through my business coaching programs, I emphasize how your good intentions influence your community. Assume good intent when collaborating with a colleague, and you’ll likely build stronger partnerships. Parents can set a good intention to approach parenting patiently, creating healthier family dynamics. Leaders can assume good intent to motivate their teams through Sanctified Soul Business Transformation leadership styles that embrace ethical, authentic, and altruistic goals.
The ripple effect of good intentions is infinite—it’s a cycle of positivity that keeps giving.
Where Do Good Intentions Start?
To fully grasp the meaning of good intentions, you need to look inward. Good intent begins with self-awareness. Ask yourself questions like:
- What do I genuinely care about?
- What do I want my actions to reflect?
- Am I aligning my actions with my values?
One of my favorite exercises involves writing letters to your future self. It’s a powerful way to clarify your intentions and map a vision for where you want to go. I talk more about this in my blog, How to Write a Letter to Your Future Self—take a look and try it.
When Should You Reflect on Your Intentions?
Now. Right now. Because setting and reflecting on intentions isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a continual practice.
Every day, I take a few quiet moments to reflect on the good intent I want to bring to my day. Some days it’s about being present for my family; others, it’s about showing up as a leader for my team at We Level Up.
Here’s the trick—your intentions should evolve. Life changes, and so will our goals and priorities. Make it a weekly or even daily ritual to revisit your intentions.
Top 10 Tips for Setting intentions good for Growth
Here’s the enhanced table with scientifically-backed success rate statistics for each intention-setting strategy:
Evidence-Based Intention Setting Strategies
| Tip | Success Rate Boost | Supporting Research | Common Mistakes | Ryan’s Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor to Core Values (Intentions without values become empty goals) | 76% higher adherence (Locke & Latham, 2002) | Goal-setting theory shows that value-aligned goals have higher completion rates. | Choosing intentions based on others’ expectations | “Use a Values Filter Tool” |
| Use ‘I Am’ Language (Neuroscience shows present-tense phrasing rewires belief) | 2.3x more effective (Moser et al., 2017, Clinical Psychological Science) | fMRI scans show that present-tense language activates the prefrontal cortex | Using passive language like “I’ll try” | “Record power phrases.” |
| Pair with Physical Action (Intentions need kinetic energy to stick) | 40% implementation boost (Webb & Sheeran, 2006, British Journal of Social Psychology) | “Instant action” creates neural commitment | Delaying initial action >24 hours | “Do a 2-Minute Activation Drill” |
| Time-Box Your Intentions (Open-ended intentions fail 83% more often) | 83% more completion (Dai et al., 2014, Journal of Consumer Research) | Deadlines create the “urgency effect” in decision-making | Using vague timeframes | “Try a Deadline Builder” |
| Visualize the ‘Why’ (Emotional connection drives follow-through) | 62% stronger motivation (Taylor et al., 1998, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology) | Mental simulation of outcomes increases emotional engagement | Only visualizing outcomes, not process | “Use Visualization Scripts / Vision Quest“ |
| Create If/Then Plans (Prepares you for real-world obstacles) | 2-3x goal achievement (Gollwitzer, 1999, American Psychologist) | Implementation intentions overcome the “intention-behavior gap” | Only planning for best-case scenarios | “Get my Contingency Templates” |
| Leverage Peak States (High-energy moments create stronger commitments) | 58% better recall (Eich et al., 1994, Memory & Cognition) | Consistent monitoring prevents “intention drift.” | Setting intentions when fatigued | Leverage Peak States (High-energy moments create more substantial commitments) |
| Socialize Your Intentions (Accountability boosts success by 300%) | 3x accountability (Dolansky et al., 2016, Journal of Primary Care) | Public commitment activates social reward circuits | Sharing with enablers vs. challengers | “Join an Accountability Group. Find an accountability coach.” |
| Batch-Review Weekly (Regular audits increase follow-through) | 9 out of 10 to follow through (My client estimates) | Consistent monitoring prevents “intention drift” | Reviews >7 days apart | “Use my Weekly Audit System or Better Yet Notion Goals Setting and Tracking“ |
| Celebrate Micro-Wins (Dopamine fuels bigger actions) | 23% dopamine increase (Koepp et al., 1998, Nature) | Celebrate Micro-Wins (Dopamine fuels more significant actions) | Waiting for “perfect” outcomes | “Start a Gratitude Journal“ |
Key Scientific Insights
- The 5:1 Ratio (Norcross et al., 2002): For every five value-aligned intentions, you can sustain 1 “stretch” intention
- The 20-Second Rule (Lally et al., 2010): Immediate actions <20 seconds after setting intentions have the highest retention
- Social Monitoring Effect (Ariely et al., 2014): Public commitments increase follow-through by 2.7x
Scientific Studies Supporting Intention Strategies
Key Research for Coaches & High-Performers: Here’s a research-backed reference chart with direct links to studies on intention-setting effectiveness:
| Strategy | Study Title | Key Finding | Research |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value Alignment | “Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting” | Value-congruent goals show 76% higher adherence | Locke & Latham 2002 APA PsycNet |
| Present-Tense Language | “Third-Person Self-Talk Reduces Emotion Reactivity” | “I am” phrases increase prefrontal activation | Moser et al. 2017 Sage Journals |
| Action Pairing | “Does Changing Behavioral Intentions Engender Behavior Change?” | Immediate action boosts implementation by 40% | Webb & Sheeran 2006 ResearchGate |
| Time-Boxing | “The Fresh Start Effect” | Deadlines increase completion by 83% | Dai et al. 2014 JSTOR |
| If/Then Planning | “Implementation Intentions” | 2-3x goal achievement through contingency plans | Gollwitzer 1999 APA |
| Peak State Utilization | “Mood Dependent Memory” | Recall/commitment 58% stronger in aligned states | Eich et al. 1994 ScienceDirect |
| Social Accountability | “Commitment Contracts” | Public intentions increase follow-through 3x | Ariely et al. 2014 NBER |
Here are some of my clients’ favorite good intentions quotes about growth and development:
- “In a world of opinions, let science light your path.”
- “Your brain is wired for intentional success.”
- “A good intention simply activates your brain on a path to fulfill your potential.”
Apply A Good Intention to see Your Actions blossom into great outcomes
Life has a way of testing our intentions. We often embark on journeys with the best motives, yet navigate unforeseen challenges that test our resilience, integrity, and ability to grow. The positive minset to be armed with a Good Intention a path to our ultimate success. This perspective reminds me of my transformational journey, filled with trials, failures, and, ultimately, breakthroughs that have defined my purpose by setting good intentions to realize my dreams.
If my life has taught me anything, it’s this: success and growth come when you lead with good intentions. But it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
- What: Create clarity around what defines a good intention for you.
- Why: Understand that good intentions lead to meaningful actions and outcomes.
- Who: Recognize the ripple effect—a good intention benefits you and those around you.
- Where: Start from within. The most impactful intentions resonate with your core values.
- When: Begin now, and make intention-setting a habit of growth.
Life has a way of testing our intentions. We often embark on journeys with the best motives, yet navigate unforeseen challenges that test our resilience, integrity, and ability to grow. The positive minset to be armed with a Good Intention a path to our ultimate success. This perspective reminds me of my transformational journey, filled with trials, failures, and, ultimately, breakthroughs that have defined my purpose by setting good intentions to realize my dreams.
If my life has taught me anything, it’s this: success and growth come when you lead with good intentions. But it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
- What: Create clarity around what defines a good intention for you.
- Why: Understand that good intentions lead to meaningful actions and outcomes.
- Who: Recognize the ripple effect—a good intention benefits you and those around you.
- Where: Start from within. The most impactful intentions resonate with your core values.
- When: Begin now, and make intention-setting a habit of growth.
If you’re ready to take the next step, join us at one of our personal development seminars or download my book The Unlikely Businessman. It’s packed with lessons on resilience and how living with intention fundamentally changed my life.
Remember, “Good intentions are the sparks that ignite meaningful change.”
Stay committed to your growth,
Ryan Zofay
