Resolutions or Intentions When You’re Ready
This time of year is a time when many of us start thinking about what we want for the next year. It’s a great time to start thinking about how we do this.
TIMING
Anytime is a good time to decide that you want to make a change. It’s probably more of a challenge when trying to do something because the rest of the crowd is doing it. Try not to cave to the pressure of setting goals that are tied to specific dates like New Year’s Day. Go at your own schedule when you’re ready.
RESOLUTIONS OR MANIFESTING
Think about whether or not you want to create resolutions or manifestations. There is a real difference between the two. Resolutions focus on the goals you want to achieve. Manifestations focus on how you want to be and setting intentions. Pick whichever way works for you. If you are having trouble deciding, think about something you recently accomplished that seemed to come to you easily. How did you do this? Did you set goals or intentions? This is the way that is most natural to you for getting what you want from life. If it worked for you before, you don’t have to change it now unless you just want to try something different and learn a little more about yourself.
TIMEFRAME
You do not have to make your time period of interest your entire year. You can choose a shorter or longer time period. Some things work better using a shorter timeframe like taking a class. An example of something that might require a longer timeframe could be to create a profitable business. Think about what you want and consider a reasonable timeframe for achieving it. When you start moving towards what you want, you may have to adjust the timeframe based on what you see happening around you.
PLANNING
Regardless of which approach you take, doing a little planning can help you get to where you want to be. Take some time to think about the details so you have a solid idea in your mind about what you want.
Resolutions
If you choose to make resolutions, take time to think about what you want and what specific steps you want to take by when. S.M.A.R.T. goals are a great framework for this.
S-Specific: Be as specific as you can and keep your goal-focused and narrow.
M-Measurable: Include a measurement so you know how you are progressing and when you have reached your goal.
A-Attainable: Make a goal that’s reachable but not too easy so there is a chance for growth.
R-Relevant: Develop goals that are aligned with your values and long-term vision.
T-Time-based: Set a deadline for achieving your goal.
Example: To help me to achieve my goal of being more active, over the next month I will walk for thirty minutes, two times each week.
Intentions
If you choose to use manifestation think about how you want to be and what that looks like when you are how you want to be. You may not see the way you will get to this state, but you will become aware when you attract what you need to move towards this state.
Example: I want to be healthier. I want to eat healthier foods, be more active, and be more compassionate towards myself.
REVISIT
It’s good to revisit what you wanted. It’s a good idea to journal about this. You could start by writing down your resolutions or intentions. As you make progress or discover helpful things, note this in your journey. Revisit this regularly so you can see how you are doing. You might also find it necessary to change your resolutions or intentions because of what you learn on your journey.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Try not to beat yourself up if you experience challenges along the way. As mentioned earlier, it may be necessary to change your approach or tweak your resolution or intention. You might also take a look at your progress to see what you have actually achieved. Sometimes we underestimate what we have actually achieved because of the pressure we may have put on ourselves to make progress. Remember, a small amount of progress is still progress. Try to focus on this instead of what you didn’t achieve. Think about what you can do to keep moving forward.