The following is quoted from Shakti Gawain's book "Creative Visualization." She outlines the process through which "intent" is formed.

"There are three elements within you which determine how successfully creative visualization will work for you in any given situation:

1. Desire. You must have a true desire to have or create that which you have chosen to visualize. By desire I don’t mean addictive, grasping desire, but a clear, strong feeling of purpose. Ask yourself “Do I truly, in my heart, desire this goal to be realized?”

2. Belief. The more you believe in your chosen goal and the possibility of attaining it, the more certain you will be to do so. Ask yourself “Do I believe that this goal can exist?” and “Do I believe that it is possible for me to realize or attain it?”

3. Acceptance. You must be willing to accept and have that which you are seeking. Sometimes we pursue goals without actually wanting to attain them; we are more comfortable with the process of pursuing. Ask yourself “Am I really willing to have this completely?”

The sum total of these three elements is what I call your intention. When you have total intention to create something---that is you deeply desire it, you completely believe that you can do it, and you are totally willing to have it---it simply cannot fail to manifest, and usually within a very short time.

The clearer and stronger your intention, the more quickly and easily your creative visualization will work. In any given situation, ask yourself about the condition of your intention. If it is weak or uncertain, it can often be strengthened by affirming:

I now have total intention to create this here and now!"

Creative visualization is the process of imaging in your mind the goal you want to achieve.