Creating Meaningful Life Intentions for the New Year
Figuring Out What Motivates You
Don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions? Neither do I. But, I do believe in cultivating an intentional life, driven by your personalized vision and values. Often, the beginning of the year sets a marked opportunity for you to reflect and think about the upcoming year, and the life you want to create. And, setting intentions can be in important part of living your vision.
Why do intentions matter more than resolutions?
Resolutions often fade away, but intentions have the power to shape a purposeful and fulfilling life. As the New Year unfolds, let's shift our focus from fleeting resolutions to cultivating an intentional life grounded in personalized visions and values. Intentions, driven by authentic motivations, become a vital part of realizing our vision.
New Year's resolutions, a time-honored tradition, face the challenge of low success rates. According to one university study, only 8% of people actually achieve their resolutions. To increase our chances of success, understanding what motivates us is crucial. Motivation, whether personal or professional, is deeply connected to our values, making it an integral aspect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Setting Intentions
Once you have a better understanding of what motivates you, you can use this knowledge to your advantage. For example, if you know that you are motivated by the desire to be a better partner, you can lean into your value of companionship, to help you create goals of how to life this in your relationship. On the other hand, if you are motivated by the desire to help others, you can look for opportunities to volunteer or donate your time and resources to worthy causes.
The new year can be a reflective time to think about your intentions. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips for setting intentions that will help improve your mental health:
Start small. Begin with modest steps. In the realm of intentions, smaller endeavors often yield greater success. Attempting too much in one go can be overwhelming, potentially leading to burnout. Therefore, commence with something manageable and within your grasp. Consider, for instance, commencing with a minor intention aimed at fostering mental well-being, such as integrating gratitude into your daily routine. Each day, invest a few minutes in noting down three things you appreciate. These can range from the simple—a breathtaking sunrise or a thoughtful gesture—to the significant, like cherished moments spent with your favorite pet.
Be realistic. It's crucial to be realistic when setting intentions, both short-term and long-term. If your intention is too unrealistic, you're likely to get frustrated and give up. On the other hand, if your intention is too easy, you may not feel challenged or motivated. Find a balance between the two extremes and set an intention that is both achievable and challenging.
Be mindful of your thoughts and actions. Once you've set your intention, it's important to be aware of your thoughts and actions. This will help you stay on track and make progress towards your intention. For example, if your intention is to improve your relationships, pay attention to how you are communicating with others, including the use of your words and tone. Notice when you are doing this well. This will help you stay motivated and keep up with your new routine.
Setting intentions can be a great way to improve your mental health. Just remember to start small, be realistic, and be mindful of your thoughts and actions. With a little effort, you can achieve your intentions this year.
If you’re feeling stuck in the process of creating the life you want and desire, contact me here, I can help.
Seanna Crosbie, LCSW-S
