As we come to the end of 2016, it’s a wonderful time to pause, reflect, and set an intention for 2017. An intention, unlike a goal, isn’t about achieving the next big thing, or moving up the ladder. It’s about how you’re being, in this moment.

My co-author, Karen Gifford, described setting an intention in our book, The Anxious Lawyer (affiliate link):

Setting an intention is a little like setting your compass: it is always there in the background guiding you in a certain direction, even though you may not consciously be thinking about it at any given moment. There’s something a tiny bit magical about setting an intention—you may be surprised to find the world may seem to reflect your intention back at you, once you’ve taken the time to define it. Many people, ourselves included, have had the experience of setting a clear intention only to stumble on a helpful book or have a very useful conversation about the object of that intention almost immediately afterwards. Or we may have a very satisfying experience, only to realize it almost exactly fulfills an intention we set for ourselves some time ago. An experience like that feels uncanny in the best possible way—like the universe is taking care of us and wants to support our best hopes for ourselves.

It may sound cliché but I believe all changes start with the mind.

A few years ago, I was completely burnt out, exhausted, and running on fumes. I was constantly anxious and extremely unhappy. After being diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, I set an intention to live with more joy and to live more consistently with my values.

Did these changes happen overnight? No. Was it easy? No. However, there was definitely something magical about setting an intention. I found more opportunities, met people, and slowly, my life began to shift.

Chances are, you intuitively know that the more hostility and anger you express towards others, the more negativity you’ll receive in return. The more kindness and compassion you can lead with, the more you’ll receive in return.

There have been plenty of new age books and workshops that try to capitalize on this feeling of magic. I want to be clear that I’m not invoking that kind of sloppy or wishful thinking when I say an intention can have a powerful impact on your life.

Setting an intention is helpful in all aspects of life, including a new habit such as exercise, diet, or meditation.

When I first began my daily meditation practice, my intention was to live with less anxiety. Over time, my intention began to shift. I experienced less anxiety but I also wanted more meaning in my life.

If your intention for 2017 includes forming a new habit to better your life, consider setting an intention instead of a goal.

While you may genuinely experience a subjective feeling of magic when things fall into place around an intention, objectively speaking, the magic you set into motion may have a much more straightforward explanation.

Think about it this way: simply by taking the time to think clearly about exactly what you are looking to get from your new habit, you focus your efforts, even if you do so unconsciously. And by defining in a clear way what you’re hoping for, you are much more able to take advantage of opportunities to fulfill those hopes than if you begin your practice without really knowing what you are trying to get out of it.

Finally, my last bit of advice is, be bold.

I’ve been surprised to see how deceptively powerful having a daily meditation practice has been. It doesn’t seem like just sitting quietly every day could have a big effect on one’s life but it’s been an incredibly transformative practice.

As we head into 2017, I suggest setting an intention that reflects your highest wish for yourself — maybe even something you think may not be possible. What happens may surprise you.

P.S. If you’re interested in making meditation a habit for 2017, please join me for a 30-day meditation challenge.