Writing Resolutions vs. Setting Intentions

The beginning of a new year is a time when people sit down, reflect on the past year, review what is and isn’t working… and make some resolutions for the year ahead.

But this year, instead of writing down resolutions, I’ve decided to set my intentions.

Yeah, maybe they sound similar, but I think there are some key differences.

Let’s start by looking at the definitions for both:

Intention: a thing intended; an aim or plan

Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something

Whereas an intention sounds like something you aim for or plan to do, a resolution sounds like a hard and fast rule, a strict “you must (or must not) do this”.

Now let’s see the difference between being intentional vs. resolute:

Intentional: done on purpose; deliberate

Resolute: admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering

The main difference I notice is that to be resolute is to be unwavering, but I feel that intentionality, on the other hand, allows for some flexibility. And I know that for many of us, hearing that we can never do something again or we always have to do that thing can be tough. It can feel rigid and stringent and be hard to stick to (which is the very thing that being “resolute” calls for!).

Now, if you’re a resolutions girl and that works for you, then all the power to you! After all, that’s what I’ve been for years. But this year, I just want to try something different, so if you’re with me, then let’s keep going!

The thing about intentions, at least for me, is that I can continue to tweak and shift them based on where I’m at in my life (and month, week and even day). And I like the fact that being intentional feels similar to being more mindful, which is something that I’d say most of us could stand to do more of… whereas being resolute feels closer to being hard-headed and unwavering.

I simply like the focus on mindfulness and intentionality instead of hard and fast rules.

I also feel like it’s a more positive mindset for me to start my year with, rather than just focusing on these rules I’ve set for myself by creating resolutions, which can start to turn a good idea into a negative one if I slide off course.

So this year, I want to be more intentional. 

Here are some things I’m going to be intentional about: 

• Continuing to eat foods that will make me feel fantastic and avoiding the ones that won’t
• Being more present with my family and friends (no devices allowed)
• Taking time just for me
• Meditating more often
• Treating Every. Single. Day as the best day ever (because it is)
• Truly living in the moment, enjoying it and taking it all in (basically, being more mindful)
• Living my absolute best life – because this is the only one I’ve got!

So instead of writing down my resolutions, I’m deciding instead to set my intentions.

Which will you be doing? Let me know in the comments.