Still Making Resolutions? For Better Results Try Setting Intentions Instead...
First off, going into this new year, how about we not say we’re going to “kill it” this year.
How about we take the year day by day.
You can actually get a lot done by going day by day. Sometimes, even more than when we set such huge daunting goals we don’t even keep. That’s why most resolutions don’t work. Most of the time, by February, we forget we even made a resolution.
I have not made a resolution for the past 8 years. And I have never seen more changes in my life in the last 8 years. Want to know what worked for me instead? I started setting intentions, and everything else seems to fall into place from there.
Now, I know this may not be new for some of you, but for some it is, and for others, it’s a reminder of something they’ve been wanting to do but haven’t, or something they used to do but haven’t done in a few years.
What are intentions?
Intentions get more into the deeper to the core of who we are. They are based on what we want to bring more of or let go of in our lives.
So instead of saying, “I am going to lose 10 lbs this year.”
Dieting feels like work and a chore, so we don’t follow through.
Instead, I can still move towards that goal by eating healthier and going for daily walks. However. the intention I set could be, “I will love myself and my body more this year by doing what’s good for my mind and body.”
Why Intentions Work?
Simply put, because they feel good.
If something feels good, you are more inclined to stick to it and do it again.
In the past, my resolutions of losing weight felt like a punishment and a drag. But now, my intentions are more like, “Losing the weight of other people’s perceptions and opinions of me” or “This year, I am letting go of perfection or society’s ideas of perfection.”
And if I fall off, I don’t think it’s over or beat myself up; I try again and look for ways I could have done it better. That’s a lot more effective than quitting or beating yourself up.
Other intentions you can set:
Being happier. Doing more of what feeds your soul.
To be kinder and compassionate to yourself and others.
Not judging yourself (or others)
(I always add others because this life and this work is not only about us).To live life more inspired.
Knowing you are worthy of good things happening in your life.
Let go of what is not serving me (Thoughts, people, more things).
Letting go of fear.
Saying “Yes” more to life
Or saying learning to say “No” to set better boundaries.
The world we live in thinks we are happier when we get something.
A spiritual mindset knows the value and freedom that comes with letting go.
My intentions help me to be the person I need to be in order to achieve what I want in life.
Make sense?
5 Steps to Setting Your Intentions
Step 1. Journal or write down your intention on a slip of paper.
Step 2. Include your intention in your meditation practice and prayers.
Feel it and embody it.
Step 3. Tape your intention somewhere as a daily reminder.
Step 4. Do something every day to practice your intention.
(This could be taking an action or reading a book to help you get there)
Step 5. Be committed to yourself and this practice throughout the year.
Tip:
You can make a fun ritual out of setting your intentions. You can write it down. Then light candles, use essential oils, and meditate on your intention to set it.
Bonus:
You can choose to change your intention every month. I change my intentions throughout the year.
Whatever you feel you need to let go or bring more of into your life.
When I set intentions, it encompasses all areas in my life and my well-being. I still have long-term visions, but I set small attainable goals that move me towards my long-term vision. And I will add that step to my “To-Do List.” As I achieve them, I cross them off. By the end of the year, you see how much you have accomplished.
When I wrote my book, “Resilient Love: Turn Your Wounds into Your Wings,” my resolution or goal wasn’t “write a book.” That would have been so daunting. Instead, I set intentions to be open to inspiration and creativity. I then meditated and did yoga to be more open and receptive to inspiration and creativity. Since being inspired and creative is fun. I stuck with it. I also prayed and asked how is this book to be written? And it was answered through inspiration.
What will your intention be for this year?
What do you want to bring more of into your life or let go?
Write down at least three intentions.
Sending you many blessings this New Year!
And remember this journey is about, “Progress not Perfection”
Namaste Loves <3
Until next time...
Kat OM
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Kat is available for private sessions. You can find out more About Kat here, or learn more about Sessions here.
Kat OM is the author of Resilient Love: Turn Your Wounds into Your Wings, blogger, and Mindfulness Resilience Coachsultant. Kat helps her readers and clients find healing, empowerment, and resilience through mindful tools and practices. You can find Kat OM at:
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