Intentions Over Resolutions

You know the drill, New Year equals new goals and a new you. Pack up your gym bag and ditch the potato chips the diet has begun! Did you know the first new years resolutions were documented all the way back in the 17th century? Although this tradition has withstood the test of time some traditions are meant to evolve.

What started as a positive set of goals to achieve in the New Year has evolved into a list of repeating bullshit that everyone loses sight of by Valentine's Day. Instead of using resolutions to push ourselves I find in most cases resolutions serve as a shame spiral for goals that fell short in previous years. It's a list of failures that hit the restart button. If you didn't make it to the gym five days a week last year do it this year, but prepare to feel bad about yourself when life gets in the way. In some cases resolutions essentially mean nothing. If I don't go to the gym frequently or stick to my diet I'll just try again next year. Resolutions can hold little weight to the individuals who make them.

Time for the big question.

If resolutions are so iffy why do we keep making them then?

Well everyone does, it's a societal normality but, there is another way. This year I've decided to make a different path for myself and make my new norm a list of intentions instead of goals.

Intentions are more tangible in the sense that they have a flexibility to them that resolutions do not have. For example a common resolution is to go to the gym a certain number of days a week. It sounds like a simple goal in theory but as time goes on and life pulls you in a million directions that number begins to plummet, or you get so discouraged you ditch the resolution entirely.

Instead of creating set in stone goals set an intention for yourself. I intend to take better care of my health and body this year. This intention sets the same level of motivation as a resolution without creating a stoic parameter. The intention above can also be pulled into several aspects of life from the food you eat to whether you take the stairs or the elevator. It helps you remain mindful about your goals without pressure. It also leaves room for the intention to evolve. You could discover taking care of your health and body includes aspects of your mental health; who you hang out with, routines that make your body feel good, and so much more. Taking better care of your body for some people means learning to love and accept how they look as is. Regardless of which way your intention will take you over the year it will be a positive thing in your life not a frustrating one.

Like people intentions come in all shapes and sizes. While I like to set out a list of sentences for my intentions my stepmom likes to have a set word for the year that she can apply to many aspects of her life. You cannot fail your own intentions. Sure there may be days or weeks where you're not doing as much as you would have intended to but there is no scale or limit. Intentions leave room for setbacks. It gives us the opportunity to reevaluate how we are fulfilling our intentions and where there is room for growth. Who knows as the year goes on maybe you'll want to change an intention or even add new ones you discover along the way.

So take a minute, grab a pencil or open a notes app, and just write out your intentions for the year. Whether it comes in the form of a word, bullet points, or paragraphs let your intentions be your guide.

Intentions are limitless and so are you.