Shifting from Resolutions to Intentions: A New Path to Sustainable Change
The clock strikes midnight on December 31st, and as the fireworks light up the sky, we excitedly proclaim our New Year's resolutions. "This year, I'll finally lose those extra pounds, eat healthier, and exercise regularly," we declare with conviction. We're determined that this time it will be different. Yet, for many of us, this determination often fizzles out faster than the sparklers we hold in our hands.
I can relate. Every January, I would embark on this ritual. Armed with a list of resolutions, I'd enthusiastically embrace the idea of a "new year, new me." The first week usually went well, but then my birthday would roll around. And well, what's a birthday without indulging in a little cake and some treats, right? That one small setback would inevitably set off a cascade of thoughts: "I've already messed up my resolutions. What's the point now?" And just like that, the resolutions I'd set for myself were discarded, and I'd promise to start again later. Sound familiar?
But then, something changed. I discovered the power of setting intentions.
The Resolutions-Intentions Shift
Resolutions, with their all-or-nothing mentality, often set us up for failure. We set specific, often restrictive goals that are challenging to maintain for the long haul. This approach can leave us feeling overwhelmed and defeated at the first sign of deviation from our plan.
Intentions, on the other hand, offer a different perspective. Instead of fixating on a rigid goal, intentions focus on how we want to feel. They encourage us to reflect on our core desires and aspirations for the year ahead. For someone who's struggled with chronic dieting, like myself, this shift can be truly transformative.
My Journey with Intentions
My journey into the world of intentions began when I started working with a life coach. Instead of diving into a list of resolutions, she asked me a simple yet profound question: "How do you want to feel by the end of this year?" This question shifted my perspective.
Rather than obsessing over the number on the scale or the foods I couldn't eat, I began to focus on how I wanted to feel in my own skin. I envisioned feeling strong, confident, and vibrant. The next step was to identify the actions and behaviors that would support these feelings. This wasn't about rigid rules; it was about setting a compass for the year.
Viewing the Journey Holistically
What I discovered through setting intentions was the ability to view my health journey through a holistic lens. Instead of fixating on small setbacks, like my birthday indulgence, I now saw the bigger picture. I recognized that life is full of moments that don't always align perfectly with our intentions, and that's okay.
Intentions allowed me to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth. Instead of feeling like a failure for veering off course, I could simply adjust my path and continue moving forward. This shift in mindset was a game-changer.
Tips for Setting Intentions
If you're tired of the resolution cycle and ready to embrace intentions, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Reflect on How You Want to Feel: Begin by asking yourself how you want to feel in the coming year. Do you want to feel more energized, confident, or at peace with your body?
2. Identify Supporting Actions: Once you have your core desired feelings, brainstorm actions and behaviors that would support those feelings. These should be positive steps you can take regularly.
3. Stay Flexible: Understand that life is full of unexpected twists and turns. It's okay to adapt and modify your intentions as needed.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. Intentions are about progress, not perfection. Embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a move in the right direction.
As we approach the new year, consider leaving resolutions behind and embracing intentions. By shifting your focus from rigid goals to the feelings you want to cultivate, you can create a more compassionate and sustainable path to lasting change. So, here's to a year of intention, growth, and transformation on your health journey.
