RESOLUTIONS VS. INTENTIONS
It's that time of year where the word RESOLUTION gets thrown around a lot. So what is the difference between resolutions and intentions?
A resolution is more like a goal. Resolutions can have this weird energy attached. For example, it lends it self to these type of statements, “This is the year, I’m finally going to do this.” It’s now or never.” “I have to make this happen once and for all.” Resolutions are usually very firm, with little or no wiggle room. It creates this PASS/FAIL type of mentality. This is why we see gyms packed in January, and empty in February. When we set up a PASS/FAIL mentality, there’s no room for a slip up. It’s all or nothing. So, when we eat the cookies that we firmly said we weren’t going to eat, well that sets the tone for FAIL, so I might as well keep our butts on the couch and forget it all.
An intention is a mindfulness practice. From the Yogic perspective, EVERYTHING starts with an intention. Intentions require us to be present. There’s no room for shoulda – coulda – woulda with a consistent practice of intention.
We have to get out of that mindset because it will pull us out of staying present.
An intention is something we strive for. It's an idea or concept that we intent to carry out or embody. Intentions are open-ended and relatively vague, allowing more room and grace for growth. We have an idea of what we want to carry out, but we are open to the various way of getting there. We trust that it will happen how it's supposed to happen. We understand that we have to put the effort in but we are open to the outcome.
Simply put, intentions define the actions we take today, while goals and resolutions are future focused. We can have and practice both. It's just a good idea to have a clear understanding on how they are different, but can support each other.
We need to understand that while goals are useful, they can also cause us a great deal of stress if we "fail." Intentions keep us on our path so that we can dust ourselves off and continue moving forward.
This ties into the, "BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF EVERYDAY," concept that I keep talking about. This in a great example of an intention.
If your goal for the day was to eat 3 bananas and you only ate 2, does this mean you weren't the best version of yourself that day?
From a goal perspective, well, the goal wasn't met.
From an intention perspective, you stayed with the intention and saw it through as best as you could.
WHAT DOES THE NEW YEAR MEAN TO YOU?
I'm going on a bit of a tangent here so stay with me. Let me throw another perspective your way.
While most of us consider the beginning of the calendar year to be January 1 and December 31, respectively, it doesn’t need to be looked at that way!
There are many calendars we follow as humans . There's the solar calendar, the lunar calendar for example. The vernal equinox (or spring equinox) that occurs in mid-March, indicating the changing of the seasons and bringing the Northern Hemisphere into spring (and in the Southern Hemisphere, autumn), is regarded in some cultures as the beginning of a new year.
Here's another way to look at it: The difference between December 31 and January 1 is the same as any other day to the next. Every day is a chance to make a change and start working toward a healthier, happier life!
HOW TO SET INTENTIONS
We put so much pressure on January 1. We can set intentions at any time. This January 1 PASS/FAIL idea isn't really a good idea..lol!
let’s talk about how to actually set intentions!
Let’s use an example of a goal to lose weight in the New Year. Instead of stating, “I’m going to lose a certain number of pounds this year,” try shifting to a more open-ended statement, such as, “I’m going to be more kind and accepting of my body this year.”
This shift in statements allows us the opportunity to create smaller intentions that enable us to incorporate the larger intention. Similar to setting a larger goal, then breaking it down into smaller goals or steps. Smaller goals are stepping stones to reach our bigger goals, and our overall intentions. This is how goals and intentions work together.
Using the same example, your smaller intentions can look and sound like, “I’ll feed my body with nutritious food today,” “I’ll move my body in ways that feel good for me,” and “I’ll prioritize going to sleep at a reasonable hour.” Each day that you practice your smaller intentions, you’ll move closer to realizing your larger intention — without putting so much pressure on the future.
THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW TO HELP BUILD A MINDFUL PRACTICE OF INTENTION:
Be Kind to Yourself
Don't force yourself to create those dreaded New Year's resolutions. In addition to setting your intentions, consider jotting down the gifts, lessons, and breakthroughs of the past year and reflecting on how far you’ve come. It’s easy to focus on the losses and struggles we’ve endured, but giving thanks for all your experiences (aka practicing gratitude) goes a long way. The love, the blessings, and hard-won lessons ‒ they all came to serve us in some way.
Clean and Declutter
Sort through your closets, drawers, and cabinets. Don't hold onto things that no longer serve you. Donate the items you can, give others away to friends or family. Try to find homes for things that you don't need in yours anymore. Repurpose things in any way that you can. Release the old to make room for the new!
Write in Your Journal
Whether you write in a beautiful new journal or on a stray piece of paper is up to you. Think about your dreams. Then write about them, and meditate on them. Think and write about the things you'd like to see come to fruition. Then think about the steps you will take towards making them happen. This is a step towards setting intentions.
Do a Digital Detox
Give yourself a chance to unplug. Allow your body to restore, repair, and regenerate. This can serve as a “refresh” and it will leave you feeling prepared —mentally and physically —to work toward the intentions you set for yourself.
