[Sly Apple Pie]

Personally I think it's best to use intentions in most instances, though it is true that they can go side by side sometimes.

When we intend to do something - to improve ourselves in some way, for instance - we are basically saying to our consciousness "look, I want this to happen and I'm going to take X action to make sure it does happen". We're in full control because we know and accept that a conscious effort will be required to bring the intention to reality.

When we use affirmations we're simply expressing a message to our subconscious. As a result, we're not really consciously encouraging ourselves to take action, and we can easily become complacent - potentially leading to procrastination.

For instance, if I give myself the affirmation "I weigh 12 stone on June 30th" in the hope of indeed weighing 12 stone by the 30th of June, all I'm really doing is programing my subconscious to believe that it's possible. There's no responsibility there, merely a wishful desire. I'm not all that inclined to take action because there's no conscious empowerment.

Whereas if I say "I intend to weigh 12 stone by June 30th", I'm now taking full control and responsibility for my desire. I'm saying "I am going to do this, and I'm aware that I need to figure out and TAKE the required steps to make it happen".

The wording of intentions is stronger, more self-demanding and therefore far more empowering, in my opinion.