A Heart-Centered Evolution in Life Coaching
Like many life coaches in the early days of life coaching’s popularization, I began my journey with a model focused on goal setting in key areas of life. The model I was taught—developed by Curly Martin and Achievement Specialists—was called the I CAN DO model. At the time, many coaches also used the well-known GROW model.
Witnessing a client reach their goal has always been rewarding. Achieving a goal fulfills the human need for accomplishment and creates an empowering, feel-good moment. As a responsible life coach, I also guided clients through a values inventory to help them understand whether their goals aligned with their deeper values and life priorities.
But over time, my approach evolved.
A Turning Point: When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan
I wasn’t just coaching clients with this goal-based model—I was living it. And I achieved a lot during that time.
Until one day, something didn’t unfold the way I had envisioned in My Will. Like many people, it was this unexpected pain that pushed me into new levels of self-growth, understanding, and heart-opening. It became an initiation into deeper compassion and connection.
The Shift Toward Heart-Centered Coaching
For over ten years, I’ve practiced heart-centered living and coaching, incorporating:
- HeartMath techniques
- Mindfulness of the heart
- Transformational work with Dora Frasco, focused on connection, unity, and unconditional love
During this time, I began noticing a trend in both group and one-on-one coaching sessions:
Intentions were starting to replace the once-dominant goals.
Why Intentions Over Goals?
Last year, I felt called to understand more about this shift. I dove into the work of Lynne McTaggart, including The Field, The Power of Eight, and her intention experiments. I also joined her 2025 Intention Masterclass.
In earlier teachings, we were told that intentions don’t need to be specific—you simply name the intention, release it, and let the Universe handle the details. But I’ve noticed that the more specific your intention setting becomes, the more it starts to resemble goal setting—just without the pressure or attachment.
Mindfulness teaches us that intention plus attention equals awareness. When you name an intention specifically, you bring clarity and self-honesty to what already exists in your mind and heart—but may not have been consciously expressed.
When to Use Goals, Intentions, or Both?
In my coaching practice, I tailor the approach based on the individual. Sometimes it’s intentions. Sometimes it’s goals. Often, it’s a blend of both. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
- Creating From a Healthy Core
We are always creating—whether consciously or unconsciously.
The more we heal our inner wounds, resentments, and fears—the forces behind protective or reactive behaviors—the more we can create from our authentic self, our true essence.
- Being in the Now
Many people get trapped in the mindset of “I’ll only be happy when…”
Mindfulness offers a more empowering foundation:
This moment is enough. You are enough.
You can feel contentment here and now. When that future-focused thought creeps in, recognize it as just that—a thought—and choose whether or not to follow it.
- Acknowledging What’s Already There
We often believe that growth comes from identifying what’s missing:
“I’m not enough yet, so I need to change…”
But practices like the HeartMath Quick Coherence Technique or keeping a gratitude journal help shift focus to what’s already present, while still honoring what you may wish to grow or call in.
- Intention vs. Goal Setting
Every action stems from a motivation.
You can either be intentional and aware of that motivation—or run on autopilot. Intentional living invites conscious choice.
- Embracing Luck as Energy
A visual symbol of luck on my HeartCoach website reminds me of this subtle but powerful energy.
Luck is not random—it’s an optimistic frequency that flows through us when we feel open, light, and aligned. It supports serendipity and enhances co-creation.
- Balancing the 3 Centers
Different traditions speak of the hara (action), the heart (feeling), and the pineal gland (thinking)—or in spiritual terms, my will, thy will, and that will.
True co-creation happens when these three centers are in balance—not just pushing forward from “my will,” and not just surrendering to external forces.
- Maintaining Focus in a Distracted World
Once you’ve set a clear intention or goal, distractions will inevitably arise.
Return to your core focus. Practicing focus and concentration helps you redirect energy back to what matters most—again and again.
- Don’t Give Up Too Soon
Many people give up on what they want too early, instead of exploring new strategies or staying aligned with their vision.
Before you shift focus, pause and ask yourself:
“Why am I changing direction right now?”
Be radically honest. Your answer will guide your next best step.
Final Thoughts: Living and Coaching with Intention
As life coaches, we’re not just guiding others—we’re on the journey too.
Whether you’re working with goals, intentions, or a powerful blend of both, remember this:
True transformation begins not with striving, but with awareness—and the courage to act from your heart.