Setting Intentions from Experience: Gentle Ways to Move Forward This Autumn

Last week, we explored the lessons life handed us—some gentle, some messy, all meaningful. This week, we’re turning those insights into forward momentum by setting intentions rooted in real experience. No pressure, no perfection—just purposeful, soulful direction.

Turning Lessons Into Forward Momentum

September brings with it crunchy leaves, crisp air, and a sense of new beginnings—but while it’s tempting to rush into goal-setting, this season is the perfect time to set intentions rooted in the wisdom of months gone by. Rather than abstract resolutions, intentions inspired by real experience are far more powerful and sustainable. Here’s how to do it, with tips, prompts, and relatable examples from my journey.

Why Set Intentions (And Why Start With Reflection)?

Intentions differ from goals: they’re about how you want to feel, show up, and navigate life, rather than simply what you want to accomplish. Meaningful intentions spring from honest self-reflection—what worked, what didn’t, and what really matters to you now. When anchored in experience, intentions guide your daily choices, keep you grounded, and help you respond to life’s unpredictability with purpose and grace

1. Reflect on Your Recent Experience

• Take stock of the biggest lessons learned—both wins and wobbles.
• Ask: What challenges shaped me? What brought unexpected joy? What did I discover about myself?

2. Get Clear on What Matters

• From your reflections, identify core values and desires. Maybe you crave more calm, creativity, or connection.
• Start with positive, present-tense language: “I intend to…” or “My intention is to…”

3. Make It Simple, Memorable, and Positive

• Focus on feelings and how you wish to show up each day. Instead of, “Stop being overwhelmed,” pivot to “Embrace calm and creativity daily.”

4. Write It Down & Visualise

• Journaling helps solidify your intention. Try:
  • “My intention for autumn is to carve out time for playful crafting and self-care.”
  • “I intend to treat myself with kindness, even when plans go sideways.”
• Picture your day guided by your intention—what actions, habits, or boundaries align with it?

Cosy Prompts for Setting Intentions for September

• What lessons from this year do you want to carry forward?
• How do you want to feel every morning this autumn?
• What small, joyful ritual can you commit to this month?
• What intention would make every day more meaningful, regardless of busyness?

For me, I will write these prompts into my journal and then spend sometime just answering them whenever I have a few minutes.

My Own Intentions: Real Life Example

After stumbling through overwhelm in my craft room (and finally rediscovering playful joy), my autumn intention is simple:

• create without pressure, let go of regret, and savour small wins.

After enduring a challenging health program, I now intend to celebrate my strength and honour my body’s needs each day with self-compassion, not perfection.

Amid busy weeks, I set an intention to claim 15 minutes daily for “me time”. A pot of tea, a good book, and permission to slow down.

Turning Intentions Into Action

• Place your written intention somewhere visible—planner, phone wallpaper, vision board.
• Anchor it with tiny habits: a morning pause, a crafting session, or a “kindness” mantra.
• Revisit and tweak your intention as the month unfolds—growth is a journey, not a ticked box.

Closing Encouragement

Setting intentions from experience means moving into the new season grounded in your own wisdom. It’s the cozy antidote to all-or-nothing resolutions and a beautiful way to honour what you’ve learned while gently directing yourself forward.

If you’re setting an intention for autumn, I’d love to hear it in the comments or Facebook group! Let’s inspire each other to live more purposefully, one heartfelt intention at a time.

Further Reading

This blog post is part of a series:

• Week 1’s blog post: Why Reflection Matters for Growth: Your Cosy Autumn Mini-Audit
• Week 2’s blog post: Lessons Learned: How Reflection Turns Experience Into Growth

Want more gentle prompts and soulful tools? Browse the Freebie Library for journaling pages, habit trackers, and seasonal reflections.