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New Year Intentions vs. Resolutions

January 26, 2023 By M Wilbur

If you’ve discovered setting new year resolutions doesn’t work for you, you’re not alone. Did you know that only 9% of people that set them successfully keep their New Year’s resolutions?

Setting intentions for the new year can be a great way to focus your energy and stay motivated throughout the year.

What are intentions?

New Year’s Intentions are ways you intend to live more fully into your values in the next 12 months. They are not specific goals nor specific resolutions. They are intentions that directly tie into your core values.


Why intentions are better than resolutions

Intention setting can be a powerful way to create change in your life. Intentions allow you to focus on the desired outcome and the journey to get there. Resolutions can be more about the outcome, which can make them difficult to achieve.

Intentions focus more on the present moment and the steps you can take to manifest your desired outcome. When you set an intention, you are focusing on the process of creating the desired outcome rather than the outcome itself.

This can create a greater sense of purpose and direction in your life. Additionally, intentions can be more flexible and adaptable to life’s changes, whereas resolutions may become obsolete with life changes. Intention setting can be a powerful way to create a meaningful life.

Resolutions fail because they don’t take into account that we’re human, life happens, and you can’t predict circumstances outside of your control.

Take the typical health resolutions that have been so popular over the years. If you set a resolution to lose 20 pound by the end of the year, you might think you are motivating yourself. But in reality, the pressure and rigid nature of that goal can lead to extra stress and disappointment if you don’t get there.

In contrast, an intention under the same value would be to “live an active lifestyle.” An intention focuses so much more on the core value itself than how you achieve it or what the outcome is. If you focus on living an active lifestyle, will you lose weight? Probably. You might even lose 20 pounds, but the success coms from the act of living an active lifestyle, not only on if you hit that 20 pound mark. You get to experience success every time you make a choice that supports your intention, not only if you complete it.

Here are some more tips to get you started:

  • Set realistic goals and break them down into achievable steps.
  • Take time to reflect on what is and isn’t working in your life, and use that reflection to set your intentions.
  • Make sure your intentions are aligned with your values.
  • Write down your intentions and review them regularly.
  • Have an accountability partner to check in on your progress.
  • Take moments throughout the day to check in with yourself and reaffirm your intentions.
  • Celebrate small successes and learn from mistakes without beating yourself up.
  • Don’t be afraid to adjust your intentions as needed.

Ideas for new year intentions

Not sure where to start with your intentions? Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

  1. Take care of yourself – Make time for yourself to relax and recharge.
  2. Practice gratitude – Start each day by reflecting on what you are grateful for.
  3. Spend time with family and friends – Connect with the people you care about and make time to spend quality time together.
  4. Get organized – Simplify your life and create a system that works for you.
  5. Give back – Volunteer your time or donate to a cause you care about.
  6. Pursue your passions – Take a class or get involved in a hobby that you love.
  7. Learn something new – Stretch your mind and try something you’ve never done before.
  8. Take a break – Step away from your daily routine and take time out to explore or just relax.
  9. Start fresh – Let go of the past and focus on creating the life you want for your future.

Happy intention setting.

Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help:

• Visit mytherapyworks.com/schedule

• Call us at 831-525-5000 or 408-508-6789

• Email hello@mytherapyworks.com

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