Intentions: A Compass for Life
The new year often brings with it a sense of obligation-driven motivation, a force that some thrive upon while others find themselves diving beneath its weight. In my previous post, I emphasized the importance of taking things slow and offered tips for achieving greater success in the goals we set for ourselves in the coming year. I also explored the challenge of motivation during the winter months, when many of us find ourselves in a hibernation phase, making it difficult to muster the energy needed to set or achieve goals. However, as we approach a more energizing time of the year, it's now opportune to engage in action planning for our aspirations. With the support of the sun's activating energy, we can push ourselves a little harder toward our desired outcomes.
A key starting point in this journey is identifying our intentions for the upcoming year. Intentions act as a guiding compass, shaping who we aspire to be and how we choose to navigate our lives and interactions in the world. While intentions and goals may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes. Intentions provide clarity and purpose, offering guidance for our goals, whereas goals serve as structured outlines for achieving specific endpoints. Without intention, goals may lack depth and fulfillment, leaving us perpetually searching for the next milestone. Equally, setting intentions allows for an ongoing, enriching experience.
For example, if one of my single word intentions for the year is "connection" — nurturing connections with myself, others, and nature — I would ensure that my actions align with this intention. I might establish goals to support this intention, such as prioritizing self-connection through activities like journaling, meditation, or therapy.
Our inclination to set goals often stems from a sense that certain aspects of our lives are not quite aligned. It's not merely the goals themselves that matter, but rather the underlying intentions driving them, which provide the motivation to persist. As we shed the seasonal obligations that once dictated our motivations, we can free ourselves from the persistent urge to compare our progress with others and instead focus on refining our authentic selves. It's essential to periodically reassess whether our decisions align with our intentions for the year, adjusting course if necessary.
Consider choosing a single word that captures your intention for the year ahead. Words such as wellness, authenticity, simplicity, gratitude, mindfulness, openness, adventure, or curiosity can serve as influential guides on your journey of self-discovery and growth.
Continue to learn about yourself and ensure that you incorporate fun and laughter into this process. Remember we’ll never be perfect, but we can be perfectly ourselves.