When you\u2019re living with a cancer diagnosis, you\u2019re surrounded by goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But in real life, the life you\u2019re actually living in your body right now, those kinds of goals can feel heavy, punishing, or even impossible. That\u2019s why I invite my clients to do something very different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set intentions<\/strong> instead of goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Goals<\/strong> are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intentions<\/strong> are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both can have a place in life. But during cancer, they land very differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Goals can sometimes be supportive when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When used this way, goals can create a sense of direction without becoming a burden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of my clients come to me burnt out from goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how goals can backfire:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can feel like tests you can fail.<\/strong> On days when fatigue, pain, or side effects knock you flat, a goal like \u201cwalk 30 minutes\u201d can turn into a harsh internal voice: \u201cYou failed again. You\u2019re not trying hard enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can ignore the unpredictability of treatment.<\/strong> They can attach your worth to your performance.<\/strong> They can reinforce toxic positivity.<\/strong> Intentions shift the focus from What did I accomplish?<\/em> to How am I choosing to show up with what\u2019s here?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Intentions can help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even intentions can be twisted into subtle self-judgment if we\u2019re not careful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Negative form of intentions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are still performance rules wrapped in softer language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supportive intentions sound more like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The difference? One demands perfection. The other offers compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example 1: Fatigue and Movement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On a low-energy day, the goal version might trigger shame. The intention version allows for \u201ctoday movement looks like two stretches in bed\u201d or \u201ctoday rest is the kindest choice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example 2: Scans and Fear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal suggests that fear is failure. The intention acknowledges fear and invites a different way to relate to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example 3: Relationships and Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal demands emotional perfection. The intention honors your needs and your humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a simple way to begin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some days, the idea of \u201cpersonal growth\u201d or \u201cmindset work\u201d is just too much. You do not need to be productive about your cancer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On those days, an intention can be as simple as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is not giving up. That is wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a cancer coach, I help people:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re tired of feeling like you\u2019re \u201cfailing\u201d at coping, healing, or staying positive, we can create a different way, one that honours your body, your limits, and your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You are not a project to fix. You are a person to support. Let\u2019s start there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If this resonates, I\u2019d love to support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like to know more about the concept of living with cancer, I have written a book all about my personal experience of moving from survivor to thriver. In my book I offer anecdotes and strategies that will encourage you to learn how to thrive with cancer. You can get a copy of Living to Thrive: a holistic guide to living with cancer here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the Difference Between Goals and Intentions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nGoals During Cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Flipside of Goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cancer doesn\u2019t care about your carefully laid plans. You might wake up feeling okay and be flattened by noon. Strict goals rarely account for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I meet my goals, I\u2019m doing cancer \u2018right.\u2019 If I don\u2019t, I\u2019m failing.\u201d You are not a project. You are a person living through something enormous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goals like \u201cI will stay positive all the time\u201d can shame you for feeling afraid, angry, or sad, emotions that are completely normal and human responses to cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Power of Intentions During Cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How Intentions Can Go Wrong (and How to Avoid That)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nComparing Goals and Intentions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHow to Set Intentions When You\u2019re Living With Cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Choose one value that feels important today.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n
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If it sounds like a demand, shrink it. Ask: Does this feel like support or pressure?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Intention-setting is not a contract; it\u2019s a living conversation with yourself. At midday, you might adjust: \u201cThis morning my intention was to get things done. Now my body is asking for rest. I intend to honour that.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhen You\u2019re Too Tired to \u201cWork on Yourself\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nYou Don\u2019t Have to Do This Alone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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