As the year comes to a close many of us are in a place of reflection. Did you set goals for 2021? Did you accomplish them? Maybe you ran into extra challenges this year and weren’t able to, and that’s okay – it’s been another year for the history books. 2021 was a year of change for many: from new jobs, to new schools, to new homes.
Are you setting goals for 2022? As you prepare for the new year, ask yourself what you want to leave behind and what to bring forward. If New Year’s resolutions feel rigid and unattainable to you, try setting intentions this year!
This year instead of setting resolutions, set New Year Intentions.
Intentions setting allows for more grace as you move through the year. They can serve as a consistent reminder to be mindful and intentional with not only your goals but all decisions and interactions. Setting intentions gives space for slow steady progress throughout the year.
Tips for setting an intentional new year:
- Habits: Consider reducing certain habits instead of trying to stop them. Everything in moderation, right?!
- Clearly outline them: Writing down your intentions helps provide clarity around what you want for yourself. Seriously, write them out – it’s not enough to just keep them in your head.
- Keep them insight: Put your intentions somewhere you will see them regularly. Try the stickies app on your Macbook, you’ll be able to see your intentions on your desktop every time you log on! Traditional pen and paper is also great – try a sticky note on the mirror or on the dashboard of your car.
- Give yourself flexibility!: Your wants may change – and that’s okay!! By the middle of the year you may not want something that was once at the top of your list.
- Don’t beat yourself up: the purpose of intention setting over goal setting is to give yourself grace to stumble. As long as you’re trying, that’s what counts.
You always have to find a path that worlds for you. If resolution and goal setting is your style, go for it! If you’ve struggled with that in the past give intention setting a try and see how it works or doesn’t work for you.
Wishing you a lovely new year filled with warmth, light, growth, and love.
