Why Intentions Matter More Than Resolutions
I’m not a big advocate of traditional New Year’s resolutions. I think they often set us up to focus solely on what we want to change during a moment of excitement, only for that momentum to fade after a week or two. Yet a more sustainable and meaningful practice could be using this time of year as an opportunity for personal development and self-care by taking inventory and reflecting.
Reflecting on the Past Year
As the year transitions, it might be helpful to ask yourself:
- What did I learn this year?
- What strengths did I discover or reinforce?
- What tools or practices proved beneficial?
- Which relationships positively impacted me, and what shifts occurred in my life?
Reflecting on these questions helps to acknowledge growth, recognize lessons, and understand why certain changes happened. This reflection lays a foundation for entering the new year with clarity and purpose.
Expressing Gratitude
Take time to express gratitude. Gratitude for experiences, for opportunities not expected but benefited from, and for the people and moments that enriched your life. This reflection becomes a way to close out the year with a sense of completion and appreciation. By embracing gratitude, you’re better prepared to carry positive energy into the year ahead.
Setting Intentions for Growth
After reflecting on the past year, shift your focus to setting intentions for the upcoming one. Not resolutions, but intentions. These are guiding principles or areas of focus to explore, develop, or stretch into.
Intentions could focus on personal growth, leadership, self-care, or community engagement. Perhaps you aim to volunteer more, lean into service of others, be more present, or cultivate greater joy in your life. Unlike resolutions, which can feel rigid, intentions create space for growth and discovery.
A Personal Example: “Be the Mountain”
Last year, I set my intention to “be the mountain.” It’s a phrase I’ve often used in coaching leaders and teams, emphasizing the practice of standing firm in who you are—resilient and grounded—regardless of external circumstances. Mountains remain steadfast, unshaken by the winds. They symbolize strength and clarity, anchored by an inner compass.
Looking back, I can see how I was able to practice that intention and how it shaped my year. It led to unexpected personal growth, stretching me far beyond my comfort zone. I discovered resilience and strength I didn’t know I had, paired with a deep sense of humility and gratitude. I also learned that while there is immense strength in being the mountain, there’s equally profound peace in resting on the earth beneath it and trusting the foundation and support it provides.
Applying Intentions in Life and Work
In business, we often set strategies, visions, and goals to guide our organizations. Why not apply that same thoughtful intention to our personal lives? By envisioning what we hope to learn and accomplish on a deeper level, we can enrich not only ourselves but also how we interact with the world, our work, our teams, and our relationships. These intentions can bring meaning that extends well beyond traditional goal setting.
Reflect and Envision Your Year Ahead
As I reflect on my year, I hope these thoughts inspire you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey and set intentions for the year ahead. What lessons did you gain? What strengths surprised you? And what intentions will you carry forward to help shape the next chapter of your growth? Wishing you a meaningful and reflective start to the new year.