Resolution or intention

Many people set resolutions for the New Year, however in America it is almost expected that we will break our resolutions early in the year. That is unfortunate, because if we truly want to follow through with a resolution we almost jinx the goal by calling it a New Year’s Resolution. I prefer the word Intention. It allows me to hold my goal more gently, allowing me to be more compassionate and flexible on days I don’t accomplish all of my goals. Also, intentions encompass more than just taking specific action, more importantly they are more focused on a mindset and way of being.  

My 2025 Intention.
Five years ago I painted canvases and declared my desired way of being and thinking as Hope, Love, and Joy. The three words have been a helpful guiding compass in my life ever since. Recently I added the words embrace, drive, and reach, to indicate to myself that it takes deliberate action to have hope, love, and joy in my life. My intention for the year is: 
This year I will embrace hopeful thoughts, let love drive my actions and perspectives, and reach for joy. 

What Is Your Intention.
My phrase allows me to align with how I want to feel and how I want to be. Leading me to taking positive actions in my day to day life, like daily exercise and mindfulness. In previous years I selected specific actions but struggled to maintain them. The actions would fell like a chore after awhile. However, with a focus on mindset it opens me up to consider who I want to be versus what I want to say I’ve accomplished. So at a minimum, tune into “the why” behind your specific action goal because it will super charge it to help you sustain your commitment and allow for increased flexibility. As the new year begins, I encourage you to contemplate what you want to add to your life this year and why you want to add it to your life.