A new year often inspires reflection and motivation for change.
If new year’s resolutions work for you, great – but they’re not for everyone.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of resolutions – or goals in general.
Real sustainable change happens incrementally, through consistency, over time.
Resolutions often fail because they’re too rigid for real life.
When life happens and you fall short, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed – and that’s not helpful.
BE INTENTIONAL WITH YOUR APPROACH
Instead of rigid resolutions, consider setting intentions: a more flexible and mindful way to create change.
Intentions answer a deeper question: “why am i doing this?” they connect you to the root of your motivation.
For example,
- The intention behind a new workout routine might be health.
- Spending more time with friends reflects a desire for connection.
- Praying more may come from a need for spirituality.
If your resolution is to stick to a workout routine but you sprain your ankle, you’re stuck.
But if your intention is health, you can find other ways to live that value while you recover from your ankle injury, like eating nutritious meals or prioritizing rest.
Intentions allow for flexibility.
ADAPTABLE & LONG-TERM
Intentions also help you align with your core values while staying flexible as life changes.
They focus on who you want to be rather than specific achievements, making them adaptable AND sustainable.
Living intentionally starts with identifying what truly matters to you and aligning your actions accordingly.
Ask yourself:
- What brings me joy?
- What values define my authentic self?
- How do I want to show up for others?
Use your answers to create a meaningful intention for the year.
For example, my intention this year is FUN!
What’s your intention going to be?
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
As you move into the new year, let your intention guide your thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Check in with yourself regularly:
- Did my actions align with my intention? (past)
- Is what i am doing right now aligned my intention? (present)
- Are my plans in alignment with my intention? (future)
Staying connected to your intention helps you adapt gracefully to life’s challenges while keeping your year meaningful and fulfilling.
And at the end of the year, that’s what it’s all about.
May your intentions guide a year of growth, connection, and purpose.
Donald Bialkowski
I grew up in a blue-collar family marked by intergenerational depression and an often absent father. As a teenager, I turned to substances to cope, a path that dominated my life for many years. Despite these challenges, I earned a graduate degree in social work and gained experience in various mental health settings. It was during the pandemic, however, that I discovered my true calling.
