Why a Somatic Intention Practice Works When Goal-Setting Doesn’t

Every January (and honestly, every Monday), we’re told to set better goals.

Smarter goals.Bigger goals.More disciplined goals.

And yet, so many capable, thoughtful people find themselves exhausted, stuck, or quietly overwhelmed… even when they’re doing “everything right.”

That’s usually not a motivation problem. It's a nervous system problem.

The Missing Piece: Regulation Before Resolution

Most traditional goal-setting assumes that your body is neutral, that you can simply decide what you want and move toward it with willpower.

But if your nervous system is already taxed by:

• burnout

• grief

• over-responsibility

• constant decision-making

• or years of pushing through

then adding more goals often increases pressure instead of clarity.

This is where a somatic intention practice becomes powerful.

Instead of asking, “What should I do?” It starts with, “What does my body need in order to receive?”

What Is a Somatic Intention Practice?

A somatic intention practice is a body-led approach to intention setting.

Rather than focusing on outcomes, it works with:

• sensation

• breath

• nervous system cues

• internal safety and pacing

Intentions aren’t treated as promises or performance benchmarks.

They become orientations; gentle internal agreements that help your body feel safe enough to move forward without force.

You don’t push the intention. You return to it.

Why Intentions Don’t Stick Without Nervous System Support

Here’s something we don’t talk about enough:

If your nervous system associates effort with survival, rest can feel unsafe.If support has been inconsistent, receiving can feel uncomfortable.If productivity once protected you, slowing down can feel threatening.

No amount of positive thinking overrides that.

A somatic intention practice works with your physiology, not against it. It allows clarity to emerge organically, often with less effort and more sustainability.

This Is Especially Important for People Doing Real Work

This approach resonates deeply with:

• entrepreneurs and creatives

• wellness practitioners and teachers

• people rebuilding after loss or transition

• leaders who carry a lot... quietly

People who don’t need more hype.They need grounding.

They need regulation before strategy.

Introducing: Crossing the Threshold

I created Crossing the Threshold: 13 Intentions for a Regulated, Resourced Year as an audio-only somatic intention practice for people who are done pushing themselves past their limits.

This isn’t a challenge.There’s nothing to complete.

Inside the practice:

• 13 short, returnable audio intentions

• Each designed to support nervous system regulation and sustainable work

• A long-form yoga nidra–style integration practice to help the intentions settle beneath the surface

• A listener guide to help you return to the practice whenever you need it

You listen when things feel heavy. You return when clarity feels far away. You let your body lead.

This Is Not About Becoming Someone New

A somatic intention practice doesn’t ask you to fix yourself.

It helps your nervous system catch up to who you already are.

It creates space for:

• support instead of strain

• clarity instead of urgency

• sustainability instead of burnout

And often, from that place, the right next steps become obvious—without force.

If You’re Curious

If traditional goal-setting hasn’t worked for you, or if you’re craving a gentler, more grounded way to orient your year—this practice may be a supportive place to start.

You can learn more about Crossing the Threshold here

And if nothing else, let this be your reminder:

You don’t need to earn what supports you.Sometimes, you just need to slow down enough to receive it.