Every new year, people set resolutions for the upcoming year. And every year, 80% drop their year resolutions by the end of February.

This year, consider setting intentions for 2023 instead of resolutions. Intentions are more about the desire to create a sustained feeling over time through the development of habits regardless of the ultimate outcome. They are something you want to manifest in your life or some guiding principle that you want to live by.

How is a resolution different than an intention?

A resolution describes what you want to do in the future. It focuses on external accomplishments and is something you can clearly check off a list. It promise’s to change or fix something. Resolutions are usually made as a result of negative thoughts on the current situation. It makes you feel guilty about a past deed or lifestyle. A person decides to make a resolution when they are unhappy with what is going on. You may either accomplish a resolution or fail to do it. There is no wiggle room. 

However, an intention is more focused, open-ended and vague. It describes how you want to feel. It’s focus is internal and on your relationship with yourself. It is something that you wish to do but not rigid about doing it. An intention leads to betterment as it aligns us with our purpose. Intentions are decided today, while resolutions and goals are set for the future. 

Intentions are stress-free, easily achievable, fulfilling, and they would surely make you feel ecstatic at the end of this year because they don’t have any links with failures at all.

Most importantly, intentions build habits. And if you want to make change in your life, change comes from habits. Intentions focus on changing your mindset and habits today and every day, not after I’ve achieved my “resolution”.

How to set an Intention?

An intention brings enthusiasm and a sense of commitment. It is more about the journey and not setting a goal. For example, if you intend to lose weight in the year 2023, you would intend to lead a healthy life, make healthy eating choices and exercise regularly. As a result, you will shed pounds automatically. On the other hand, if you make a resolution to lose weight, you will focus on your unhappiness with your present physical appearance first. Relatively, you will aim to work hard and lose the pounds. You may work out rigorously or go on crash diets but still fail to achieve your targets.  

Here are a couple of examples:

Resolution: Lose 15 pounds in the next 3 months. 

Intention: Feel healthy, energized and comfortable in my own body.

Resolution: Start a business that will be financially sustainable in 6 months.

Intention: Build a habit of meeting at least one new person each day who might be interested in my product or service. 

See the difference?  Resolutions are what you think you are “supposed to do”. Intentions are what “feels right” to YOU.

Then decide what new habits you want to set daily to support those intentions.

Some intentions that may be beneficial could be:

• Have a positive mindset
• Try new things
• Learn something new
• Stay connected
• Make healthy choices that make me feel good
• Choose exercise that I enjoy
• Find ways to make money that use my gifts
• If you decide to set intentions this year and want to share them, I would love to hear them. I am always cheering for you and people making positive changes in their lives!