This Together We Thrive blog post was written by Lebanon-based Life and Leadership Coach, Beth Conger, CPC, ELI-MP
Whew! 2021… another crazy year. We thought 2020 was unbelievable. Who would have guessed that 2021 would be another zinger? If you’re like most people I’ve talked to, you’re feeling this odd combination of equal parts exhausted and frustrated, juxtaposed with feeling hopeful and optimistic that there’s a better way – an easier, more enjoyable approach to life.
Well, guess what – you’re RIGHT. There is a better way. Some might say, a revolutionary way… and it starts with moving away from setting resolutions and towards mind-shifting, approach-improving, joy-filling, peace-making NEW YEAR’S INTENTIONS!
So, you might be asking yourself – what’s the difference? It’s just semantics, right? Well, my author husband would tell you semantics are everything. And he’s right. Let’s look at the difference between resolutions and intentions.
A resolution is a declaration of something you want to fix. It comes from a place of deficit and focuses on a specifically defined, measurable goal – that you either achieve or fail. Because it’s so hard and fast – often coming from a place of judgment that’s either right or wrong, good or bad, and myopically focused, it’s easy to lose motivation and feel like you’ve failed before you’ve even begun. Let’s face it – how many New Year’s Resolutions have you set that didn’t make it until February 1? This is why...
Conversely, an intention doesn’t imply something is wrong. It’s all about creating a shift in your mindset and approach to HOW you achieve the goal versus the WHAT of the goal itself. Said another way, it’s about the experience, the journey to get you where you want to be. It’s a guiding principle that can adapt and adjust as you learn and grow versus hard, fast rules/goals that you either meet or don’t.
Here’s a quick example we can all probably all relate to:
Resolution: I’m going to eliminate carbs and sugar from my diet for the next 12 months.
Intention: I’m going to become aware of when, where (in my body) and why I crave certain foods as a way to avoid or distract me and nourish my body with healthy, unprocessed options.
Intentions give you the space and grace you need to pause and breathe in life. They help you stay on track without feeling badly about a setback. They help you see obstacles as opportunities versus deal-breakers and are about improving your overall quality of life. Bottom line? Setting meaningful intentions work because they’re associated with your long-term hopes and dreams versus short-term gains. And having a bigger picture, a 360-degree view of what you want, enables you to see things more clearly and freely and gives you a greater likelihood of success in the long run.
Even as I’m writing this, my enthusiasm is sky-high to set meaningful intentions for the start of real change in 2022. If you’re right there with me, then register today for New Year’s Intentions - a workshop designed to help you:
- Explore your current state of mind
- Understand your ideal approach to life
- Focus in on one or a few meaningful, mind-shifting, approach-adjusting intentions to set a more positive, peaceful and productive tone for 2022 and beyond
- Create an action plan to set these intentions in motion
The workshop includes a self-guided workbook for at-home reflection and planning and a small group discussion to finalize your intentions and action plan. When you register, you’ll receive your workbook and select to attend one of these small group discussions:
- Jan. 24th at 7:00 p.m. – Virtual (Zoom link to be sent the week before)
- Jan. 25th at 7:30 p.m. – LIVE discussion at the Green Lotus Yoga Studio in Lebanon, OH
- Jan. 26th at 7:00 p.m. – Virtual (Zoom link to be sent the week before)
- Jan. 27th at 12:00 p.m. – Virtual (Zoom link to be sent the week before)
This is just the first workshop in my year-long series 12 Mindful Months 1 Joyful You. Each month is a unique topic designed to help you explore your current way of thinking, identify some things that might be holding you back and help you set a plan to move forward more peacefully and positively. Learn more about the series.
Ready? Set? Intention!
Register today
Connect with Beth!
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
