Set Intentions, Not Resolutions

Self CareHolidays

Jan 10

a sparkler held against a grey blue sky representing new years intentions and hope after therapy in los angeles or san francisco — *Image by Cristian Escobar on Unsplash*

While this year may feel different than other Januarys, there’s still talk of resolutions. But this year – and every year -- I’m encouraging friends, clients, and loved ones to set intentions rather than resolutions. Here’s why:

1) Intentions are flexible and adaptable.

With almost a year of pandemic still raging and an insurgency shaking our faith, we need to be flexible and adaptable. This sets us up for psychological flexibility and resilience, cornerstones of feelings of happiness and ease.

2) Resolutions set people up for feelings of failure.

With public health, political, and garden variety personal stressors thrumming on in our lives, we don’t need any more feelings of defeat when we don’t run a 5k after a few weeks of training or after they forget to floss one night.

3) Intentions give less opportunity to predatory industries

Why give the diet industry a chance to cash in?

4) Intentions are aspirational

They can be qualitative rather than quantitative while still aiming at a goal.

So this year, give yourself the gift of an intention rather than a resolution. If you’d like support in working with your intention, feel free to schedule a consultation.