There’s something undeniably satisfying about the promise of a fresh start—the crisp newness of a blank calendar, the clean slate of an untouched workspace. And of course, the infinite potential of a new year. This is the time we convince ourselves we’ll do all the things: scale the business, find balance, and finally get around to those half-baked ideas from last year.
But real growth isn’t about cramming more into your to-do list or forcing transformation overnight. It’s about setting clear, intentional goals and creating an environment that fuels your focus and creativity. Think of scents that ground you, rituals that motivate you, and a mindset that’s ready to make 2025 the year you thrive.
Let’s talk about how setting intentions—backed by thoughtful actions—can make a real impact on your business and your mindset.
The science behind setting intentions
At the heart of intention-setting lies a simple truth: how you think shapes how you act. Intentions are the guiding principles that shape how you show up every day. While goals are measurable (like hitting a sales target or expanding your product line), intentions focus on mindset and daily habits: being more present, getting your creative juices flowing, or carving out time for your personal life.
There’s science behind this, too. Research from the Association for Psychological Science shows that environmental triggers, like pleasant scents and calming visuals, can reduce stress and enhance focus. For example, lavender is known for its relaxing properties, while citrus scents like orange or lemon can boost energy and positivity (more on that later, though). Similarly, lighting can impact mood, with soft, warm tones creating a more productive and serene atmosphere.
For makers and small business owners, establishing an intentional workspace is key. Surround yourself with what inspires calm and creativity: a softly glowing candle scented with eucalyptus to ground you, a visually clean space free of clutter, or mood-boosting details like fresh flowers or colour-coded supplies.
These small tweaks to your routine and environment help you feel more focused and connected to your work, turning your daily grind into something intentional and energising. Understanding this connection gives you a powerful tool to design a workspace and mindset that fuels your business ambitions.
How setting intentions benefits your business
With the science laid out, let’s take a closer look at how intention-setting translates into tangible wins for your business. Studies in psychology have shown that intentional practices—such as visualization and goal-oriented behaviors—can improve focus, resilience, and decision-making. Research has demonstrated that individuals who practiced mental contrasting (a method of visualising success while acknowledging obstacles) were more likely to achieve their goals compared to those who solely focused on positive thinking.
For small business owners, starting your day by lighting a candle and visualising success isn’t just a feel-good ritual; it primes your brain to recognise opportunities and problem-solve effectively. Similarly, reflecting on weekly wins (no matter how small) boosts resilience by reinforcing a positive mindset and creating a sense of progress.
These rituals create a ripple effect. A focused, positive mindset leads to better decision-making, stronger creativity, and improved customer relationships. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily workflow and watch how it empowers you to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. After all, setting intentions isn’t just for you—it’s for the growth and sustainability of your business.
Using candles to create rituals
Rituals give structure to our days, but more importantly, they help us anchor our intentions in the chaos of everyday life. With their symbolic connection to light and renewal, candles are a simple yet powerful tool for orchestrating these moments of focus and clarity.
When you light a candle, you set the tone. A morning focus candle can act as a mental signal that it’s time to shift gears and tackle the day ahead. It’s a small but intentional way to create a boundary between “scrolling in bed” and “boss mode activated”. Pair scents like eucalyptus or lemongrass with this ritual to boost alertness.
Evening rituals can be just as transformative. Lighting a wind-down candle is a chance to pause, reflect and mentally reset for tomorrow. Scents like sandalwood or lavender can help with this transition, encouraging gratitude and perspective as you close out the day.
For candle makers, consider this: Your candles equip customers with the tools for mindful living. Create products designed for specific rituals and explain their purpose through your branding. It’s not just a candle; it’s a moment: a way for your customers to connect with their intentions and themselves.
Scents that inspire focus and positivity
We’ve talked about rituals, but let’s not forget the star ingredient: scent. The right fragrance can be a game-changer. Although scents are a very personal thing, to get you started, here are some scent families commonly associated with various moods.
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Citrus (orange, lemon, grapefruit): Bright, zesty scents are natural energy boosters. They can motivate you to tackle projects or brainstorm creative ideas. These are ideal for mornings or when you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
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Herbal (lavender, chamomile): These are the scents of calm. Perfect for moments of overwhelm or stress, they bring balance and help you reset.
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Woody (sandalwood, cedarwood): Earthy and grounding, these scents are great for focus-heavy tasks like designing, planning, or inventory tracking.
- Floral (jasmine, ylang-ylang): Subtle and uplifting, floral notes bring positivity and balance to your workspace, making them ideal for collaborative or creative sessions.
Not all fragrances work the same way. It’s about finding what resonates with you and aligns with the energy you want to conjure up.
Making the most of your environment
Your workspace is where your intentions come to life. It has a direct impact on your focus and creativity, and as a maker, it sets the tone for everything you create.
A cluttered or chaotic space actively pulls your attention away from the task at hand. A whole body of research backs this up, highlighting that clutter competes for your mental resources, creating distractions that reduce your ability to focus and process information effectively. In contrast, a clean and organized workspace supports clarity and productivity, giving your creativity room to materialise.
To design a workspace that complements your intentions, start by decluttering and introducing calming, inspiring elements. Soft lighting is a must, and mood-boosting candles are a bonus. We’d suggest even adding a few plants to bring natural energy into the space. Layer scents intentionally—pair a citrus diffuser with a sandalwood wax melt for an invigorating and grounding balance.
Curate your environment thoughtfully, and you’ll not only improve your focus but also enhance the quality of what you create.
Setting intentions isn’t wishful thinking, it’s a framework
By integrating meaningful rituals, thoughtfully chosen scents and an uncluttered, intentional workspace, you’re laying the groundwork for a business (and life) that thrives. Whether you’re crafting candles or running the numbers, every small shift adds up to big results. As you embrace the year ahead, let your intentions guide you, your rituals ground you, and your creativity propel you forward. For more inspiration and tools to sharpen your craft, check out our blog at NI Candle Supplies.