A new approach.
I am trying something different for this new year. Rather than setting the same “New Year’s resolutions”, I am setting monthly intentions. An intention is a chosen theme that allows you to create alignment in your life. Whereas a resolution can be a hard and fast goal for a desired outcome you wish to attain at some point in the future. Intention setting is less about achieving a specific goal, and more about a shift in mindset to achieve a goal. My hope is that this monthly approach will help me be more reflective, allow for a keener focus of my energy, and create flexibility with my actions.
As I’ve thought about how to approach these monthly intentions, I decided to first identify categories that align with my values and priorities, then set the actions. For example, my categories include adventure, movement/exercise, meaningful connections, self-care/health, spiritual and personal development, and gratitude. Perhaps, it may be helpful to think of what you want to cultivate (more of) in your life, which may include a feeling or a way of being. Reflect on how you want to feel, acknowledging what doesn’t feel good, so you can use this opportunity for growth and change.
As you consider selecting your intentions, look ahead to the month and see what else you have scheduled. Be mindful of other commitments so you can be more realistic, and take a compassionate approach, about your intentions. If you have a busy month, with work deadlines, family commitments, or other obligations, you may have to modify your actions to suit those responsibilities.
Setting Intentions.
Remember, intentions are not goals, they are meant to be a gentler, actionable way of focusing on something you want and plan to do, that are in alignment with your values. Writing down intentions helps solidify your intent and really helps them stick. I have mine written on a clean sheet of paper, with a graphic that I enjoy looking at. I have it posted at a place by my desk that I look at every day, right next to my planner, so I can be mindful of my intentions as I plan my days, weeks, and month. You may write yours in a journal, on a Post-it note, and/or place them on your phone or computer screensaver– whatever reminds, inspires and works for you! It helps to write them as actions and/or feelings in the present tense; things you want to accomplish in the month, not what you’re hoping to do. Some may like to write a specific plan for the intention with a timeline and details for accountability.
Here are my intentions for January:
Have a game night with friends
Bundle up and get outside – enjoy nature and the cold weather
Make a new and/or favorite soup recipe
Get my shingles shot
Read a book
Organize the downstairs storage room
Write thank you notes
Practice morning mindset planning time
At the end of this month, I will start the process over for February, reflecting on what worked, what didn’t work, and identifying other creative ways to cultivate what I want more of in my life. My hope is that you will find this approach helpful in transforming your life, providing you with inspiration and motivation for intentional living. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!