So that…

So that statements are one of the most powerful practices I have in my creative tool kit. I first heard about this practice from acting coach Jen Waldman. Jen challenges us to use so that statements in goal setting, however I will yes and… her and add that there are many more ways to integrate so that statements into your creative process.

So that statements are a way to set an intention and attach meaning and purpose to your work. I encourage my students to use them anytime they are creating something for someone and anytime they are working in front of others.

For example, before students get coached in the Studio, I ask them to declare a so that statement for their work that day. One person might say, “I am working today so that I can be more precise in my storytelling and ensure I am clearly activating my objective.” Another simpler so that might be, “I am working today so that I can just put this song on its feet and feel more confident.” Establishing a so that statement for where you are in your process helps you to be clear on what it is you are trying to accomplish and also helps me, as the coach, to meet you where you are that day and to view your work and give feedback through a specific and purposed lens.

I also use so that statements for all my various creative projects. On my desktop, I have stickie notes with tasks for each work stream and at the top of each stickie I have a so that. For example, my Actor-Singer work note has the following so that at the top, “so that I can continue my personal artistic growth, experience joy and flow, collaborate and find community, and deliver meaningful stories.” My Event Concerts work stream has this so that, “so that I can use my voice to share the hopeful and positive stories of good work and good people.” As opportunities or tasks come along, I always refer to my so that to make sure the task or opportunity supports my purpose and intention.

As we round into February and continue to refine our 2026 goals and practices, I encourage you to attach a so that statement not only to your goals, but also to your process. I hope it imbues your work with meaning and purpose and keeps you motivated as you work toward building a more fulfilling creative life for yourself this year.