Set an Intention, Not a Goal: The Hidden “Block” That Slows Everything Down

In this episode of Permission to Evolve, host Brandon Thielk and co-host/producer Holly Deschenes explore “permission to set intentions” as a looser, more surrendered alternative to goal setting, focused on meaning, energy, and openness to the unknown. Responding to Holly’s question about quantum physics and “shifting timelines,” Brandon discusses the observer effect, how expectations shape perception, and how identity work, meditation, and healing old wounds can soften rigid beliefs that create anxiety, control, and self-sabotage. Brandon shares personal examples of intention-led outcomes—meeting Holly in Milwaukee leading to corporate work and the podcast, unexpected travel opportunities through his girlfriend Lauren’s job, and long-held intentions like annual Europe trips. They close with takeaways on aligning actions with intentions, trusting timing, and where to find Brandon’s coaching resources and upcoming audio series Electric Wisdom.

00:00 Welcome and Hosts

00:10 Intentions vs Goals

01:07 Surrender and Timing

02:03 Quantum Timelines

03:44 Observer and Identity

07:09 Expectations and Wounds

11:52 Shifting Identity

13:41 Year of Intentions

15:16 Milwaukee Meeting Story

18:32 Lauren and Suit Synchronicity

20:44 Travel Intentions

23:29 Signs and Flow

25:49 What Blocks Intentions

29:41 Energy and Clean Mindset

34:39 Intentions with Others

39:38 Key Takeaways

44:05 Where to Find Brandon

45:44 Closing and Next Steps

LINKS:

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

https://substack.com/@brandonthielk1

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620

https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/