20 Positive Intentions That Will Help Make Every Day So Much Better

Positive intentions are an important step if you want to make every day count and improve your life as a whole. By setting daily intentions, you can start to live your life with more purpose and get more joy out of each moment — and that’s what we’re all about here at Silk + Sonder. 

Setting positive intentions seems like a simple enough concept, but it can be easy to get stumped somewhere along the way in the intention-setting process. That’s why we came up with 20 positive intentions to help you get started. 

1. I will have a positive mindset.

We know what you’re thinking: Easier said than done! But by setting an intention to think positive thoughts, you’re halfway there. 

2. I will go with the flow.

Instead of resisting change and tough moments, learn to accept them. Going with the flow can be very powerful.

3. I will spend less time on my phone.

It’s hard to be fully present when we’re on all phones all the time. So set an intention to spend less time scrolling and more time fully participating in life. 

4. I will practice gratitude.

Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools we have to stay positive, so setting an intention to practice gratitude — whether in a journal or by listing the things we’re grateful for out loud — is an excellent intention.

5. I will let go.

Learning to let go can open so many mental doors. So set an intention to let go of that hurtful comment, that nagging regret, or that thing you’re worried about.

6. I will prioritize my mental health.

It’s easy to prioritize so many things over our mental health, isn’t it? That’s why setting an intention to prioritize mental health — whatever that looks like for you — is so important.

7. I will get enough sleep.

It’s hard to feel good when we’re exhausted. So set an intention to get enough sleep, and take the action steps to make sure it actually happens. 

8. I will read more books.

For some, reading a great book is a huge act of self-care and a catalyst for personal growth. For others, it’s simply a better alternative to TV or endless scrolling on social media. Regardless, we know that reading is really good for us — so set an intention to read more books.

9. I will move every day.

We often think of exercise as an all-or-nothing practice: Either we run five miles on the treadmill or we don’t move at all. But by setting an intention to move every day, even if that just means going for a short walk around the block, you’ll reap tremendous mental and physical benefits. 

Move every day — whatever that means for you

10. I will eat food that energizes me.

Sure, that bag of potato chips and that caramel-stuffed candy bar taste great in the moment, but a few minutes later you’ll likely experience a crash that leaves you hungrier than ever and completely drained of energy. Instead, intend to eat nutrient-packed foods that fill you with energy.

11. I will tackle the hardest thing on my to-do list first.

You know those things that are forever on your to-do list that you absolutely dread? Set an intention to do that thing first. Also called “eating the frog,” you’ll be so glad you did it.

12. I will release negative thoughts.

Negative thoughts love to park themselves in our brains and stay there for as long as we allow them to. Instead of giving into them, tell them to get lost. 

13. I will set boundaries.

Boundaries are crucial to happiness, and we all deserve to implement healthy ones. So set boundaries — in work, in your closest relationships, in how you spend your free time — and stick to them.

14. I will live my life with purpose.

We all go through the motions sometimes, but intending to live your life with purpose is a great way to make sure you’re getting the most out of each moment. As they say, you only live once!

15. I will listen.

Being a good listener is such an important skill to cultivate. So set an intention not just to hear people, but to listen to them. And don’t forget to listen to yourself, too.

16. I will have fun.

After all, what’s the point of life if it isn’t fun?

17. I will be myself.

There are few things in life that are more meaningful or satisfying than being completely, authentically you. 

18. I will stay present.

Instead of having one foot in the past and another in the future, set an intention to keep both feet firmly planted in the present.

19. I will prioritize self-care.

Few things in life are more important than taking care of yourself, so prioritize it. 

20. I will speak kindly to myself.

If your best friend came to you with a problem, what would you say to them? Would you treat them with kindness, or criticize them for the fact that the problem exists in the first place? We’re going to guess you’d choose kindness — so talk to yourself that way, too.