A coffee cup with the words "What Good Shall I Do Today" written on it.
A coffee cup promoting good intentions. Credit: Nathan Lemon / Unsplash Credit: Nathan Lemon / Unsplash

Have you ever said, “That was not my intention?” I have many times. Usually in circumstances when I inadvertently upset someone due to something I said or did. How about being asked to set an intention before a workshop or yoga class? I’ve done this too, but then the intention did not come to fruition. I’ve been thinking a lot about intentions since 2014 in fact. And in particular I’ve become fascinated about what influences our intentions and how these influences might inform the decisions we make. Recently, I’ve been digging into how identity and psychological needs influence our intentions.

I believe intentions are the driving force behind personal growth, achievement, and change. They represent our aspirations and the desired outcomes we seek in various aspects of life, such as career, relationships, and personal development. Achieving intentions is not merely about setting goals; it involves a complex interplay of psychological factors, with two key elements standing out as paramount: identity and psychological needs.

Understanding identity

Identity encompasses our self-concept, self-image, values, beliefs, affiliations, and a deep sense of who we are as individuals. It is the lens through which we view the world and make decisions. Here’s why identity is so crucial in the context of achieving intentions:

  • Our identity is intimately tied to our core values and beliefs. When we set intentions that align with our values, we are more likely to feel a deep sense of purpose and motivation, making it easier to persevere through challenges.
  • Our self-concept, which includes our self-esteem and self-efficacy, significantly influences the intentions we set. Individuals with a positive self-concept are more likely to set ambitious goals and have confidence in their ability to achieve them.
  • A strong sense of identity is a powerful motivator. When we set intentions that resonate with our identity, our motivation is often intrinsically driven. We are not pursuing these goals to meet external expectations but because they align with who we truly are.

Our identity is not limited to individual aspects; it also includes cultural and social dimensions, such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and socio-economic background. These identities can both support and challenge our intentions. When our cultural and social identities align harmoniously with our personal intentions, we often experience a sense of belonging and support from our community. This alignment can serve as a powerful motivator. On the other hand, societal expectations or stereotypes associated with our cultural or social identity may sometimes conflict with our personal intentions. Such conflicts can create inner turmoil and affect our ability to pursue our goals. Many individuals navigate multiple cultural and social identities, which adds complexity to the interplay between identity and intentions. Recognizing and embracing these intersections can lead to a more nuanced understanding of our motivations.

The role of psychological needs

Psychological needs, as outlined by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), comprise autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These needs are fundamental to human motivation and play a pivotal role in achieving intentions. Autonomy reflects our desire for self-determination and the freedom to make choices aligned with our values and interests. Intentions that allow us to exercise autonomy are often more intrinsically motivated and, therefore, more likely to result in successful outcomes. The need for competence drives us to seek challenges and develop our skills. Intentions that challenge us to grow and improve align with this need and are more likely to lead to a sense of accomplishment and success. The need for relatedness pertains to our desire for social connections and a sense of belonging. Intentions that involve collaboration, cooperation, or nurturing relationships can fulfill this need and contribute to positive outcomes, both personally and interpersonally.

Synergy between identity and psychological needs

The relationship between identity and psychological needs is intricate. Our identity can shape our psychological needs, and these needs, when met, can reinforce and enhance our identity. Intentions aligned with our identity and satisfying our psychological needs tend to be intrinsically motivated. This intrinsic motivation fuels persistence, even in the face of obstacles. A strong sense of identity can provide the resilience needed to weather setbacks and failures. Knowing who we are and what we stand for can help us bounce back and stay committed to our intentions. Understanding the interplay between identity and relatedness can improve interpersonal relationships. Intentions that involve collaboration and respect for others’ identities can lead to positive outcomes for all parties involved. When we are in tune with our identity and psychological needs, we make decisions that are more aligned with our values and long-term goals, ensuring that our choices lead us closer to our intended outcomes. The satisfaction of psychological needs and the alignment with our identity in the pursuit of intentions contribute to overall well-being. These factors can enhance our sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Identity and psychological needs are integral to achieving intentions. Our identity shapes the intentions we set, influences our motivations, and provides the foundation for meaningful action. Additionally, our psychological needs drive our intrinsic motivation, helping us persevere and excel in the pursuit of our goals.Recognizing the synergy between identity and psychological needs empowers us to set intentions that are authentic and fulfilling.

Jodi Rai

Jodi is a People & Culture + HR Consultant, Coach, and Trainer on a mission to create a world where humanity is prioritized in workplaces and their communities. She has reimagined the traditionally...