intentionista

Intentionista is a term used in contemporary online self-help and productivity discourse to describe a person who foregrounds intentionality in daily life. A typical intentionista seeks to clarify core values, articulate explicit intentions, and align actions with those intentions, rather than relying solely on traditional goal setting or outcome-driven hustle. The term is not widely formalized in psychology or academia and appears primarily in blogs, podcasts, and social media communities beginning in the early 2020s.

Origin and usage: The word combines intention with the -ista suffix common in Romance languages to denote adherents. In practice, intentionistas may begin days with deliberate intention statements, maintain journals or planning systems that emphasize what they intend to do, and perform periodic reviews to ensure alignment with valued aims.

Practice and characteristics: Key features include explicit intention statements, value-based planning, ritualized planning sessions, and a focus on process over short-term results. They often integrate mindfulness or reflective techniques, but the approach centers on intention as the primary driver of behavior rather than external incentives alone.

Reception and critique: The label is informal and contextual, used for self-description rather than a validated psychological category. Supporters argue it helps reduce burnout, increase clarity, and promote ethical action. Critics warn that the concept can be vague, performative, or used as branding without concrete accountability.

See also: intention, goal setting, mindfulness, personal development, self-determination theory.