Check out the podcast here: https://anchor.fm/meghan-greenwood/episodes/Intentions-Over-Resolutions-e1cf798

Another new year, another list of resolutions that we have high hopes of achieving. So many of us ponder what we want to change and January 1st seems like the best time to declare them to the world.

Manifesting destiny is certainly good practice, don’t get me wrong. However, how many of us can honestly even remember what our resolution was for 2021? Did it start out strong and then peter out by end of January? Did we completely wipe it from our brains by the time February rolled around? Did we throw up our hands in disappointment, vowing to not even bother setting new ones for 2022?

Let’s try something new.

A recent trend caught my eye. Instead of calling them ‘resolutions’, try using the word ‘intentions’. Intention means to aim, to plan. It focuses on the act instead of the goal. It is more process-oriented, which lends to greater success.

Think of it this way. When an athlete is preparing for the Olympics, obviously their goal is to win a medal. Thus, over 10,000 athletes have the same goal. But what sets the medalists apart from the other athletes? Sure, you can point to winning the genetic or coaching lottery; but ultimately, the process by which the gold medalist trained was more efficient than say the bronze medalist.

Intention, plan, process. Take your resolution and break it down.

“I want to lose 15 pounds.” Ok, but how will you do that? What changes need to be made to improve habits and help you reach that goal?

“I want to focus on my mental health.” Good, but what do you plan on doing differently this year? What small changes can ensure your success?

If you focus your efforts on the process, no matter if you reach your goal or not, you will be successful in your intention. And one successful year will motivate subsequent successes.

Happy New Year! What is your 2022 Intention?