New Year's Resolutions or New Year’s Intentions?
How many times have you set a New Year’s resolution and not followed through with it the whole year?
Recently, I read an article that suggested only 10% of those who set New Year’s resolutions, keep them. Just know that if you struggle to keep your New Year’s resolutions, you are not alone.
What’s the difference between a New Year’s Resolution and a New Year Intention?
A resolution is more of a statement around something you want to fix within yourself or your lifestyle. And with that a resolution can create negative thoughts around your current situation.
Whereas an intention is focused on creating more abundance within yourself or your lifestyle. It doesn’t suggest that something is wrong with your current situation, it simply is there to motivate you to live even better.
New Year’s Resolution vs. New Year Intention: Which is Better?
While making a resolution can be a powerful tool to meet your New Year goals, it can start to feel a bit impossible. Resolutions tend to offer little flexibility, which may set you up for failure.
But when you set an intention, you approach your goals with more compassion for yourself. Thus, you feel less pressure to create change and are more inspired to take action.
Resolutions focus on the negative while intentions focus on the positive
Resolutions spotlight what you lack, intentions highlight what you have
Resolutions are strict, intentions are adaptable
Resolutions don’t work, intentions do
You can see why you might want to consider setting an intention this year instead of a resolution.
How to Set a Powerful Intention for the New Year
An intention is something to live by that you can carry with you throughout the year and into the years to come. When you set an intention, you choose to live more mindfully and open to new outcomes.
Here’s how you can go about setting a powerful intention for the new year.
Clearly articulate what you want to cultivate or achieve
Create an affirmation around your intention (an affirmation is an “I am” statement that you repeat to yourself in the present tense as if it is already true)
Simplify your intention into a one-word mantra
Return to your intention regularly: write it down, save it on your phone and repeat it to yourself during yoga class
Examples of Powerful New Year Intentions
Here are some examples to help you create your unique intention for the new year:
The Intention: I intend to live with more compassion for myself and others.
The Affirmation: I am capable of giving and receiving unconditional love.
The Mantra: Love.
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The Intention: I want to live in the moment without worrying about the past or future.
The Affirmation: I am present, living in the only moment that truly exists: right now.
The Mantra: Presence.
Set Your New Year Intention at a Resilient and Empowered Chair Yoga Class.
Join me for free yoga classes December 14th and December 21st (2021) and set your intentions in motion. Register for the FREE Chair Yoga class here.
Are you ready to take your intention a step further and continue on your path to even more personal growth?
Make a commitment to your yoga practice, and meet me on the mat (or chair) every Tuesday in 2022. The TRY Method Chair Class is open to all and no previous yoga experience is needed to enjoy the benefits of this class.
