To set goals or intentions? That is the question.

I have been fortunate enough recently to be asked to come in to our local college here in Belleville, Loyalist College, and provide a weekly meditation.  During my first session at the college I spoke just before our guided journey of thoughtless awareness about the difference between goals and intentions.  I shall use the same examples here as I did that afternoon, pertaining to such.  
If we make mindfulness a "goal", we have then moved out of the movement, and we judge our current experience, which can put us off.  A great example of this would be a first timer settling into the meditation thinking..."I have already been practising for 5 minutes, and it's not bringing me the peace of mind I was promised."  
Where as with "intention" there is no required result.  We are simply connecting to our chosen course.  In this case the thinking here may sound like this..."I am just going to practise and see what happens."  
Already you have accomplished what you had set out to do, leaving a satisfied feeling rather than the crummy sensation from a failed expectation.  
It's ok to have goals in your life, just be conscious of how you are going to set them up and think of how they may end up making you feel if you are unable to reach them within your pre-set allotted time.  

Love & Light
Sam