While we all try to get back to ‘normal,’ there’s one tradition that might be best left in the past… New Year’s Resolutions. With 2022 just around the corner, social media (and that nagging voice in the back of your head) is probably starting to get filled with New Year’s Resolutions-related content; tips and tricks to make this year be the year you finally stick to it. The question of how to make this year better than the last can be daunting and cause a lot of unwanted pressure and anxiety.
According to YouGov polls over the last decade, more than half of the most popular resolutions each year are health-related with the trend increasing each year.
You’re probably familiar with the most common resolutions: get in shape; eat healthier; save more money; pick up a new hobby; find a significant other; quit smoking. Although making resolutions for the new year has become common practice, it doesn’t mean it’s the best or healthiest practice. Resolutions tend to be very rigid, very black and white thinking — you either commit to doing something or not doing something. New Year’s Resolutions are hard and fast goals that are either achieved or broken, whereas intentions are broader ideas that tend to be tied to personal values. Intention-setting is less about a specific goal and more about a shift in mindset to help achieve that goal.
Here’s what you need to know about setting a New Year’s Intention:
If it doesn’t excite you, move on! – When deciding what intentions you want to set for yourself, how you frame them is key! Ask yourself if you’re doing it for you or for someone else. Pursuing something out of fear, shame, or the intention of impressing others is not nearly as sustainable and much more difficult to achieve than pursuing something you know will truly enrich your life.
Seek out a journey, not an end point. – Choose a broad, less specific goal for an intention than you would for a resolution, examples include ‘improving health, lowering stress or becoming more mindful or present.’ Don’t focus on completely changing your life within twelve months, rather focus on what you intend to do this month.
Don’t be afraid of mishaps – Making mistakes is unavoidable, failure is a part of life. It is a necessary evil that enables us to learn and grow. It’s okay and normal to need some time to grieve a setback but then it’s important to forgive yourself and take the time to reevaluate, reassess and learn from the experience.
Commit to your intention – Make it a part of your everyday thinking. Write your goals down and put them somewhere you’ll see every day to remind yourself why they’re important to you. (and as an added bonus, it’ll help hold yourself accountable!)
Take advantage of resources and extra help – yes, they are your goals, but you don’t have to go at them alone! If there is something you lack or need guidance on, look to someone or something that can help you fill in the missing piece. External support and encouragement will help you stay on track!
Why wait? Start now – When you start early, like before the new year, you increase your odds of succeeding. By starting early, you give yourself some wiggle room to see what works and what doesn’t.
And, most importantly – Set intentions from a mindset of self-compassion – Being kind to yourself can go a long way when it comes to setting, sticking to, and achieving goals. Being hard on yourself, setting unreasonable expectations, or pursuing your goals rashly will likely result in disappointment and feelings of failure.
When we are kinder to ourselves and limit self-criticism, we tend to fear failure less and are more likely to learn from and overcome challenges.
