Setting Intentions for the Year

It's hard to believe that the first whole week of January is almost over. At the start of the new year, many of us make New Year's resolutions. Many of us decide we are going to lose weight, quit a habit, exercise more, or make a career change. Rather than set a lofty, often unattainable goal, I decided to approach the new year with a fresh perspective. Rather than a resolution, I am going to set intentions. 

In my mind, intentions are less intimidating than a resolution. An intention is more specific, smaller, and more detailed. Rather than begin the year with I am going to lose X amount of pounds by X date. For example, I set an intention to drink a gallon of water a day, walk 5 miles per week, turn off my phone and read before bed, or do something one day a week that for no other reason than it makes me happy. In my mind, intentions are much more attainable. I can be successful with weekly victories rather than a year-long struggle. I'm more of an instant gratification person. 

The intentions I listed above are things I already do, for the most part. I am a little more reluctant to walk when the temperature is that of an arctic igloo. My intentions for this year change from week to week, month to month. I am setting financial intentions that will change from month to month. I am setting health goals that will change from week to week. I am setting intentions for time with Eric and Jordan that change from week to week. It's all the little things I reflect on at the beginning of each week and set small, attainable goals. I am setting intentions for the business that will also change from week to week. This way, it becomes more of a lifestyle change and time management than it is a lofty goal hanging over my head. I guess, dear reader, it's like breaking down a resolution into smaller, more attainable components. 

This is my approach for the new year. I will keep you posted, or perhaps you will see for yourself whether I am successful. Regardless, it feels a lot more doable than declaring one huge goal. So, on this lovely January day, stay safe, be smart, set small intentions, and keep washing your hands.