Rethink Your New Year: Why Intentions Beat Resolutions

Chances are that at some point over the past few years, you’ve set a New Year’s resolution which has been broken by February (or maybe even 2nd January). How about this year, shifting your focus from setting resolutions to setting intentions…

**What’s the difference between an intention and a resolution?**

A resolution is a course of action with a firm determination – there’s not much wiggle room. It is focused on change – but usually something that is ‘wrong’ or something we perceive as negative that we want to get rid of. If we break a resolution, we can start to feel guilty about it or that we’ve been weak or lazy.

An intention is a little different – it’s an objective that guides our actions, rather than a fixed goal. An intention is self-directed and purposeful, with room to change and adapt to different circumstances. After all, who knows what curveballs 2022 will bring! Intentions are a commitment to align our actions with our values and our purpose – they reflect who we are as people and make us feel energised, fulfilled and in balance. You could think of an intention as a blueprint or framework which is underpinned by our goals.

Here are some examples so that we can see the difference…

Resolution: I want to lose weight.

Intention: I intend to nourish and treat my body with respect, because I am worth it.

Resolution: I want to stop having panic attacks.

Intention: I intend to practice self-awareness so that I am better able to identify what triggers anxious thoughts and feelings.

So how can you set your intentions for the year ahead? Here are some steps to get you started.

1. What brings you joy?

Positive psychology encourages us to focus on the things that bring you joy, rather than the negatives holding you back. Get out a notepad and write down the things you’re passionate about. What brings you happiness and gives you a sense of purpose?

2. Write down your intentions

Once you have your list, you could come up with a short mantra incorporating some of the things you’ve written down. Instead of setting a resolution to lose weight, how about setting an intention like ‘I intend to practice self care daily’. Or, if your goal is to buy a house or a car, or that yoga retreat you’ve had your eye on, your intention can be ‘I will become more disciplined with my finances.’

3. Word of the Year

If you’re not sure about what intention to choose, how about selecting a word to focus on for the year? It could be patience, loyalty, love, openness, the list goes on – choose a word you intend to make a focus this year, and write it somewhere you’re going to see it regularly.

4. Keep it positive.

If you find yourself falling into the trap of listing things you don’t want to do or see in the coming year, remember to flip your perspective.

5. Share with a friend.

Talk to a friend who knows and supports you and tell them about your intention – because while intentions may make us more responsible for our actions, we’re all bound to have slip-ups (and that’s ok!). A friend or mentor can help get you back on track when you find yourself thinking negatively or are struggling to stay in the present.

Wishing you a wonderful 2025 from the Zeno team!