As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us reflect on the past while setting our sights on the future. The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is nearly as old as the holiday itself, but in recent years, there's been a shift in how we approach the beginning of the year. More people are choosing to focus on "intentions" rather than "resolutions." But what’s the difference, and which is the better approach to making meaningful changes?
What Are New Year’s Resolutions?
New Year’s resolutions are often thought of as specific, goal-oriented commitments—
such as losing weight, saving money, or quitting a bad habit. These resolutions typically have a clear start and end point, often fueled by the desire to improve oneself or one’s circumstances. While resolutions can be powerful motivators, they can also carry a sense of pressure. Many of us have experienced the familiar cycle of starting the year with ambitious goals only to lose momentum or abandon them by February. Resolutions often focus on what we lack or need to fix, which can feel like a challenge rather than an opportunity for growth.
What Are New Year’s Intentions?
Intentions, on the other hand, are less about specific outcomes and more about the mindset and energy we want to bring into the year. Rather than setting rigid goals, setting intentions is about creating a broader focus or direction for how we want to live, feel, or engage with the world. Intentions are less about perfection and more about alignment with our values and desires. For example, instead of setting a resolution like “I will lose 20 pounds,” an intention might be “I will prioritize my health and well-being.” Rather than focusing on a concrete outcome, the intention invites you to approach life with a sense of balance, openness, and mindful awareness.
Why Are Intentions Often More Effective Than Resolutions?
1. Flexibility Over Rigidity: Intentions are more adaptable to life's inevitable changes. Resolutions often come with a "black-and-white" mentality: you either succeed or fail. Intentions, however, allow room for growth and progress at your own pace. If you miss a day or take a detour, it doesn’t mean the whole year is ruined.
2. Process Over Perfection: With resolutions, the focus is often on the end goal, which can feel like a distant achievement. Intentions, however, are about the journey. They encourage us to stay present and engage in daily habits that align with our deeper values. Even small actions taken each day help you stay connected to your broader intention, no matter the outcome.
3. Self-Compassion and Mindfulness: Intentions promote self-compassion because they don’t require perfection. You don’t have to be “perfect” to live with intention. You simply need to be mindful of your choices, how they align with your values, and where you want to focus your energy. This mindset reduces the stress and guilt that often accompany resolutions when we fall short.
4. Clarity and Purpose: Intentions help clarify what truly matters. They allow you to tune into what you want to cultivate in your life—not just in terms of accomplishments, but in terms of mindset, habits, and relationships. When your intention is aligned with your values, the sense of purpose behind it can drive you more deeply than a goal you’re trying to achieve just for the sake of it.
How to Set Intentions for the New Year
1. Reflect on What Matters Most: Take time to think about what truly matters to you. What do you want to cultivate more of in your life? Is it peace, creativity, connection, or growth? Ask yourself what you want to feel more of, rather than what you want to accomplish.
2. Be Present: Instead of focusing on a far-off result, set an intention that brings your attention to the present moment. How can you show up for yourself right now? An intention like “I will practice gratitude every day” is about being mindful and grounded in the current moment.
3. Make It Realistic and Flexible: While resolutions are often about achieving something concrete, intentions should be broad enough to allow flexibility. For instance, an intention of “being kinder to myself” might manifest in many different ways throughout the year, depending on what’s happening in your life.
4. Integrate Your Intention Into Daily Life: The power of intention lies in the small, consistent actions we take each day. It’s not about making huge shifts overnight but weaving your intention into your daily habits, thoughts, and decisions. For example, if your intention is to be more present, you might put away your phone during meals or spend a few moments each morning in mindful breathing.
Resolutions and Intentions Can Coexist
It’s important to note that intentions and resolutions don’t have to be mutually exclusive. While intentions offer a broader mindset, resolutions can still serve as specific markers for progress. For example, you might set an intention to embrace growth in 2025, with the resolution to read 12 books by year’s end as one concrete action. But as you work toward achieving those goals, remember that it's the journey, not just the destination, that counts. A resolution might help you set a clear target, but an intention ensures that your actions are aligned with your core values, giving them meaning beyond just ticking off a list.
As you move into 2025, consider setting intentions over resolutions. They offer a more compassionate, mindful, and sustainable approach to personal growth. Instead of focusing on what you must achieve, think about how you want to show up in the world. Whether it’s through greater self-awareness, cultivating new habits, or simply being more present, setting intentions can help you create a year of deeper meaning and fulfillment. If you are struggling on where to start, reach out (dianna@bewell-healthcoach.com)! I'd love to chat with you and help you carve out your intentions to thrive in 2025!
Happy New Year! May 2025 be a year of intentional living and growth.
Until next time...Eat Well. Live Well. Be Well.
Dianna
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