Turning Intention Into Action

Why does acting on our intentions matter?

Ideas alone are often abstract or vague and never enough to create meaningful change. I’m sure we all have unfilled New Year’s resolutions that were never fulfilled, simply because they remained as intentions. Action, however, is the catalyst that transforms our goals into concrete results. When we take steps forward, no matter how small, we build confidence, reinforce our self-discipline, and discover what works for us. Without action, even the clearest intentions eventually fade, often leaving behind regret and frustration. Acting consistently allows us to test and refine our goals, leading to actual growth and the satisfaction of seeing them materialise.

Practical ways to bring our intentions to life

Kickstarting a new habit or routine may appear daunting at first, but the process becomes easier when broken into manageable, everyday tasks. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, you don’t have to start with marathons. Instead, schedule a 30-minute walk daily. These small acts create momentum, which makes progress less overwhelming and more sustainable. Accountability also plays a huge role in our habits - sharing goals with friends or tracking progress publicly can keep us motivated. After all, every step matters and helps us to build habits that last.

Recognising the right moments to begin and persevere

While it’s a common misconception that action waits for the perfect day, momentum is actually built by acting immediately and staying consistent, no matter the circumstances. In truth, goals can be set at any point in the year, and what truly matters is persevering toward them. While obstacles are inevitable, not giving up strengthens our resilience and helps us continue trudging even when our motivation fades. Ultimately, there can never be a flawless starting point, so embracing consistency is the key that allows our intentions to evolve into lasting achievements.

Written by: Carys Lee

01/2026

References

Loh, R. (2025, November 7). Gen Zen: Is there a point to making new year’s resolutions? Here’s how to do so with clear intentions and achievable goals. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/mental-health-matters/gen-zen-there-point-making-new-years-resolutions-heres-how-do-so-clear-intentions-and-achievable-goals-4633441

Oscarsson, M., Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., & Rozental, A. (2020). A large-scale experiment on New Year’s resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals. PLoS ONE, 15(12), e0234097. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234097

Stieg, C. (2019, September 5). How to stay committed to your goals: Tell someone more successful than you, says new study. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/05/why-sharing-goals-with-someone-helps-you-achieve-them.html

Teo, J. (2025, April 7). New Singapore research centre to develop interventions to get people to make healthier choices. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/new-spore-research-centre-to-develop-interventions-to-get-people-to-make-healthier-choices

Yeo, N. (2025, April 12). Harness the power of micro habits to make the changes you want in your life. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/mental-health-matters/micro-habits-goal-change-behaviour-emotion-resilience-5056876