“Such a simple concept, yet so true: that which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves.” – Garth Stein
Studies show that less than 8% of us stick to our New Year’s resolutions. It’s become a foregone conclusion that most of us will give up on achieving our resolution within the first six to eight weeks of the year. Yet millions still engage in this time-honored ritual. Keeping a resolution is tricky because there’s not much to hold on to; there’s no plan—just a wish. So, by the time Valentine’s Day rolls around, we’ve already lost our motivation.
To make this your best year ever, try setting an intention instead of a resolution.
What’s the difference between a resolution and an intention? Usually, resolutions are made in ambiguous terms. A resolution is a nebulous approach to a change that you want to make at some point during the New Year. Resolutions are also seen as an all-or-nothing proposal. Once you miss a workout or eat that cupcake, you’ve broken your resolution, and it’s over.
An intention is more flexible and allows us the space to get back on track when we inevitably get tripped up. We set resolutions because we want a change. But that can draw our attention away from the here and now. We end up focusing on what we don’t have. This scarcity mindset can keep our desired reality always in the future.
The mere act of stating a resolution can trigger a backlash of feelings of failure and hopelessness. In contrast, setting an intention can bring the focus back to the here and now. It helps to organize and reinforce your values and raise your emotional energy.
Intentions are a powerful way to help you reach your goals. Here’s how:
Intentions have no limits. There are numerous documented instances of patients showing vast improvements in their health when given a placebo. The mind can seriously alter the body for good or for ill. Intentions have no limits because your brain has none. If you believe you can, then you can. Harness the power of your mind! By setting your intention, you become limitless.
Intentions are larger than life. Don’t confuse intentions with goals. Intentions are all about who and what you want to be. For example, a goal might be to quit smoking this year. An intention around quitting smoking could be: I’m amazed by how easy it is to be a nonsmoker. Confirming your intention every day will help you reach your goal of becoming a nonsmoker.
Setting intentions can make you more productive. How? Set your intention to have an open mind, an open heart, and be receptive to clarity and information. That will result in higher states of productivity.
Get out of your headspace. Stating how you wish you felt can produce negative thoughts because it focuses on the lack of how you feel and how you could be feeling. Saying that you intend to feel good today takes that back into your own hands and lets you control how you think about your day. You start behaving as though you are having a great day rather than thinking about how you wish you were having a great day.
Setting an intention can help you see things you’ve missed. We get absorbed in our day-to-day existence and forget to look at the beauty around us. Sometimes we fail to notice the child at our feet or the warm smile of a spouse. State your intention to expand your focus out from the narrow band of the computer or phone screen. That will expand the joy you experience in your life and strengthen your relationships.
