We can have an intent by all means though we have no control over that intents outcome. Most of that is because we need others to play their role in a certain way to fulfill the original intent and they don't often comply.
The ultimate reason however, is because there is a bigger picture at play, we come to understand that there is a destiny to every thought, word and deed that is in the universes way of things and that must and always will be fulfilled....in the end.
Another aspect of this is that we have preferences about how things need to look in order for us to be happy, learned believe systems that are commonly felt in our culture and also individual believe systems specific to us.......
If we have no control over outcomes, then we can see that it might be useful to not have preferences about how things are supposed to look in order for us to be happy.
The Bhagavid Gita says ....the great way is not difficult for those who have no preferences but, make the slightest distinction and heaven and earth are set infinitely apart…….oh my.
So, we live our lives with integrity and truth. Being kind to ourselves and others along the way we practice compassion in all that we do, letting go of all outcomes in remembering, having faith that we are never alone, Love is always present......no matter….no matter what. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org