Intention vs Expectation

Is there really a difference between intention and expectation? This is a common question with clients and often a challenging concept to separate.Expectation is based on outcome; how it should exactly look. These outcomes become the external validation of who we are. If I lose 15 pounds; THEN I'll be pretty. If I finally get my master's degree; THEN I'll be smart enough. If I keep my house spotless; THEN my mother-in-law will stop judging me.....it's conditional.Unmet expectations often cause suffering as we have attached our worth to the outcome, so our brains convince us there is something wrong with us because it (whatever IT is) didn't go as expected. See the struggle?Intention represents your desire. What do you want? I have found this a challenging question for myself and many of my clients, as the conditioning is to serve others, not self. This isn't a selfish question; this is a 'building your life' foundational question. When we honor our hearts and ask from our authenticity then our bodies feel free, light and joyful in the conscious creation of our desire. Intention invites a collaborative relationship with the Universe, so rarely works out per our 'expectation', however, often surprises us with how beautifully it manifests.