Intentions Vs Resolutions
Guest Blog, written by community member – Clare Moller
It's that time of year again. Everywhere is saying New Year, New You. But how should we go about making changes, and do we really need to change at all?
This blog considers the pressures of New Year's resolutions and shows why intentions are so much better.
Exploring Resolutions:
Resolutions pressure us to be perfect and are often unrealistic. The goals are often set too high to achieve them, hence the sense of pressure and the feeling of failure when the goals aren’t met.
Resolutions are also far too restrictive and demotivating. The pressure of them is just another task in an already busy life. Common resolutions are losing weight, stopping smoking or drinking. People can tend to go too hard, too quickly. Instead of taking small steps, their goals then become unrealistic and unachievable. Also, the number one reason people give up is because the resolutions are too idealistic.
Why Intentions?
However, intentions aim to change your lifestyle in a gentler, longer, more achievable way. Not quick fix solutions and goals like with resolutions that mostly don't last. Intentions with a mindful approach means changes in lifestyle and attitude to improve and enhance wellbeing.
Intentions can be set daily, weekly or monthly. If they fail, they can be reset however often is needed.
Intentions are all about progression. Not self-perfection but self-positivity. Intentions are self-improvements and you being right just as you are. They may include having good health physically and good health mentally. Looking at what you need and want. Intentions are about freedom for you to choose what is right for you always.
What Are Intentions?
Some helpful things to know about intentions
· Intentions, unlike resolutions, are broad and can include many areas of life.
Setting intentions helps you learn and keep habits you enjoy.
Reflecting on your intentions and sharing them with others helps you to ground yourself and stick with them
Ultimately, of course, it's up to you. If you're setting resolutions, at least make them realistic and achievable. If you are setting intentions, set them as lifestyle changes without the time pressure. If either fail, do not let that affect your mental health and wellbeing, including your self- worth. With no pressure or sense of failure you can reset them anytime.
Of course, you don't have to do either, you might feel that you are OK exactly as you are. Self-acceptance is a wonderful thing.
About the author: Clare comes to Pause & Breathe and has been involved in our community for the last 4 years. She has an interest in writing and was looking to share her thoughts on setting intentions.