Shifting from Expectations to Intentions: A Simple Way to Find Peace

By Coach Onowa

Have you ever felt weighed down by expectations—how things should be, what you ought to do, or the way things need to go?

This pressure can feel especially intense around holidays, special events, or family gatherings.

But I heard a beautiful perspective shift that has brought me so much peace, and I want to share it with you today.

Instead of focusing on expectations, try shifting your attention to your intention.

Why Expectations Create Stress

When we focus on expectations, we tend to:

❌ Put pressure on ourselves (“Everything has to be perfect.”)
❌ Feel disappointed when things don’t go exactly as planned
❌ Get caught up in external factors we can’t control

And honestly? It drains the joy out of the moment.

The Power of Intention

When I pause and ask myself:

💡 “What is my true intention here?”

I find that it’s usually something simple but powerful, like:

✔️ To love the people around me
✔️ To be present and enjoy the moment
✔️ To create a sense of peace and connection

And suddenly?
✨ The stress fades.
✨ The little things don’t matter as much.
✨ I can focus on what truly matters—not the unrealistic pressures I put on myself.

How to Shift from Expectation to Intention

Step 1: Pause & Take a Breath
🌬 Before an event, holiday, or gathering, take a moment to slow down.

Step 2: Ask Yourself:
💭 “What is my intention here?”

Step 3: Focus on That Intention
💖 Let it guide your energy and actions, rather than being caught up in things you can’t control.

A Real-Life Example

Before a holiday gathering, I used to stress about:

• The perfect meal

• Whether everyone was having fun

• How the house looked

Now, I remind myself:

✨ “My intention is to love these people.”

And with that shift, I enjoy the moment so much more.

Try This Today

Next time you feel the weight of expectations, pause and ask yourself:

🔹 “What is my true intention here?”

I’d love to hear—what intention would you like to set for your next event? Share in the comments!

With peace and presence,
Coach Onowa