The reset of a calendar year inspires many of us to reevaluate our past 365 days, decide what we liked and decide where we want change. While many of us set goals for the upcoming year, these goals are notorious for their impermanence. Why don’t we stick with our New Year’s resolutions? They might be intangible (i.e. get rid of negativity), or too broad (i.e. lose weight), or too specific (i.e. climb Mount Everest by April 15). When we set goals in these kinds of parameters, we can essentially be setting ourselves up for failure. What if we set intentions instead of goals? What if, instead of creating a list of a certain number of things to accomplish, we created an idea by which we could live the next year?This intention is a guideline for all of the choices that you make for the year (or month or week). Rather than limiting yourself with specific goals, include the new relationships, desires, and experiences you cultivate to create a future that brings your intention along.
A New Year’s intention might sound something like:
– To cultivate health in my life
– To strengthen the bonds within my family
– To see all people as compassionate beings
– To welcome opportunity and growth
Once you establish your New Year’s intention, post it somewhere that will be visible all year long to remind you of your motivation. When faced with a decision, ask yourself if this choice will help you live fully in your intention.
What would it mean to truly live in this intention? What kinds of choices would you make differently? What kind of people would you draw into your life?
