It’s a new year and for many it is a time of having a new start. As we look at the past year, we can see areas where we want to make a change. For many those changes come in the form of making a New Year’s Resolution. We have the best of intentions, but so often what we resolve to do or be, doesn’t come to fruition.
The reason for this is that we haven’t set the right intention. Setting your intentions for the new year comes from a place of mindfulness, contemplation and positive self-regard. It’s important to start looking at your intentions for this year by thinking of where you would like to be at the end of 2019.
What is your vision for yourself? What steps need to be in place to achieve the intention. If you intend to be healthier this year does that include a visit to the doctor, or perhaps setting up a schedule of exercise, or getting support from a friend? Whatever the step is make sure that it fits your vision.
Intentions are achievable because it allows us to focus more globally on what we want the outcome to be rather than smaller, singular steps that don’t bring about what we intended.
Here are some things to consider as you set your intentions for 2019.
- Think about where the end is. What does the end of this year look like for you and your loved ones?
- Examine the small steps needed to get to the end.
- Be clear on what it is that you want to accomplish.
- Understand the emotional pull to set the intention.
- Use positive language, like an affirmation.
- Write down the intention on a piece of paper or in a journal where you see it frequently.
- Act “as if” it has already been done.
This is the start of a new year; a rich opportunity to set your intentions for the days ahead and have the success you seek. If you find yourself still struggling with what happened last year we are here to help you be successful in the new year.
Mary Ruth Cross, MFT, RPT-S
CEO/Owner Treehouse Family Counseling Services