Intention is the starting point of every dream.
— Deepak Chopra
Each New Year brings with it a reminder to take a deep breath and exhale out a sigh of relief at the opportunity to begin again. It’s like getting a fresh, clean slate… when anything is possible! We are compelled to create New Year’s Resolutions every January so we can become the very best versions of ourselves. We vow to eat better, exercise more, work smarter, and break our bad habits. It may surprise you to learn that only 8% of people successfully stick to their New Year’s resolutions long-term. That 92% failure rate is bound to generate a lot of disappointment and self-sabotaging behaviors. Perhaps setting resolutions to fix or change something that we perceive is broken about ourselves, or our life is not the best approach.
Why don’t resolutions work? The problem with creating resolutions is that they tend to focus on all the things that we see are wrong in our lives. Setting a resolution from that vantage point can feel like an impossible burden and set us up for failure. When we make resolutions in this way, we are in fact missing out on the opportunity to reconnect with who we really are in our wholeness. We can get so disconnected from ourselves, we forget what we really care about. Why not accept where you are right now and embrace all of you? It’s ok not to be perfect, you are human. Perhaps you can shift your approach to setting intentions for the year ahead.
I have found that setting intentions motivates me to live forward with the mindset of limitless possibilities. An intention is something that I choose to focus on and that I can carry with me throughout the year. I recommend setting intentions that are more aligned with your personal values that dictate the areas of your life where you have the most potential to succeed. I have learned to put conscious energy behind my thoughts, emotions, and actions on where I want to be going and what I wish to be experiencing. The Vedic text, originating in ancient India, teaches us that we are what our deepest desire is and our deepest desire is in fact our intention. When you’re clear on what you stand for, you can then relate the changes you want to make with more self-compassion and increase your chances of success. When setting intentions, it’s important to clearly articulate what you want to cultivate in your life. Try writing an affirmation around each intention. For example, I stay present in each moment; or I experience life with gratitude.
As we launch into another New Year, I encourage you to pause, connect with your whole self, and reflect on your intentions. Design your intentions and affirmations to remind yourself what you care most and put your energy there. Where do you want to be going and how do you wish to be experiencing that journey? Cheers to becoming a happier, healthier, more joy-filled version of you and remember to celebrate your wins.
High Vibes + Grateful Heart ! XO, Jenn
