Setting Realistic Intentions for the New Year
The New Year brings a great opportunity for new approaches.
The new year offers an opportunity to recalibrate and set new intentions. What’s more—it offers a chance to reframe and build on previous resolutions.
For some, this is empowering. For others, this can become overwhelming or even counterproductive. We’re going to explore how to create meaningful goals for the year while steering clear of common missteps.
Why Many Resolutions Fail
It’s a familiar story: you start the year full of motivation, only to feel deflated by February.
Why does this happen? Often, it’s because we aim too high or forget to align our goals with our mental and emotional needs. We try too hard but forget that time and consistency are the backbone to achieving anything.
Here are a few reasons resolutions often fall flat and don’t stick:
Overcommitting: Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to burnout.
Lack of Actionable Steps: Goals without clear plans quickly become overwhelming.
Focusing on Others: Basing goals on others’ opinions rarely brings lasting satisfaction.
Ignoring Mental Health: Prioritizing achievement over emotional well-being can lead to stress and self-doubt.
A New Approach to the New Year
Changing how you view goals can help you set better intentions.
Consider shifting the way you think about goal-setting. Instead of focusing on achieving something monumental, focus on sustainable practices that prioritize your well-being.
For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” think, “I want to move my body in ways that make me feel strong and energized.” This subtle shift changes the pressure to perform into an opportunity to care for yourself.
You’re now creating an identity around being someone who moves to feel strong and energized, not someone who moves to lose weight. That is a powerful distinction.
Crafting Meaningful Intentions
Start by reflecting on what truly matters to you. Journaling can be a powerful tool for this. Ask yourself:
What do I want to feel more of this year?
What parts of my life feel neglected?
These are broad questions that will allow you to narrow down important areas of your life you actually want to dedicate focus.
Use your answers to create goals that are personal, achievable, and rooted in self-awareness. For example, instead of a vague goal like “be happier,” consider identifying specific habits that bring you joy, such as reconnecting with old friends or exploring creative hobbies. These will lead to more instances of joy and happiness and have tangible steps attached.
From there, prioritize one or two goals to focus on. Break these down into small, manageable steps. If we set the bar lower initially, it allows us to reduce friction in our new habits, thus increasing the likelihood that they stick.
It is easier to scale established habits.
Working with a qualified therapist is a great way to set clear intentions.
Finding Mental Health Support for Clearer Intentions
Setting intentions is a great start. Maintaining momentum and navigating challenges is easier with support.
Your intentions for the New Year should be attainable and reflect your unique journey. We’re here to help you align your goals with emotional and mental well-being to live a more fulfilling life.