Why Intentions Fail Us
Think about the last time you or someone on your team had every intention to complete something important but didn’t follow through. What happened? Most likely, that intention wasn’t anchored to anything substantial. It floated away at the first sign of resistance.
Intentions are fickle. They’re like fair-weather friends—present when conditions are ideal but nowhere to be found when challenges arise. I’ve watched countless business initiatives crumble because they were built on intentions rather than systems.
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The IPA Framework: Beyond Mere Intention
I’ve developed what I call the IPA method—and no, I’m not talking about beer. This framework transforms fleeting intentions into meaningful results:
- I – Intentionality: Where it all begins, but not where it ends
- P – Purpose: The compelling “why” that tethers your intention to something meaningful
- A – Action: The critical step that most intention-only approaches miss
Without all three elements working together, we’re just daydreaming about results rather than creating them.
Purpose: The Anchor for Intention
When I completed my first business turnaround at 28, it wasn’t just because I intended to succeed; it was also because I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. I had a clear purpose driving me—proving that innovative approaches could save struggling companies. That purpose kept me focused when obstacles emerged.
Purpose answers the fundamental question: “Why does this matter?” When your intentions are connected to a meaningful purpose, they develop staying power. I’ve seen this transform organizations. Teams that understand the purpose behind their work consistently outperform those merely following instructions.
Priority: Making Room for What Matters
Even purpose-driven intentions fail without proper prioritization. In my work with business leaders, I’ve observed that the most successful ones ruthlessly prioritize what matters most.
Priorities require three things:
- Clear decisions about what gets your time and attention
- Boundaries that protect those decisions
- The courage to say no to things that don’t align with your purpose
When we fail to prioritize, our intentions become casualties of the urgent but unimportant demands that fill our days.
Action: Where Intention Becomes Reality
This is where the rubber meets the road: no action, no results—period. I’ve coached many leaders who were brilliant at setting intentions but struggled with consistent execution. The difference between success and failure almost always comes down to this final step.
Action requires courage. It means stepping into uncertainty, risking failure, and being visible. Many of us hide behind planning and intention-setting because it feels safer than leaping into action.
But only through action do we reach the destinations we want—the accomplished goals, the completed projects, the fulfilled promises to ourselves and others.
Putting It All Together
The next time you set an intention, run it through the IPA filter. Ask yourself: Is this connected to a meaningful purpose? Have I made it a true priority? What specific actions will I take, and when?
This approach has transformed not only my own effectiveness but also that of the companies I’ve led. Intentionality is still the starting point—but now you have the framework to ensure it’s not also the ending point.
What intention have you been holding onto without taking action? Today might be the perfect day to apply the IPA method and finally move forward.