Written by: Jean Tien, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
New Year’s Resolutions – Do or Don’t?
New Year’s resolutions come with a mixed bag of emotions. There are those who swear by it, those who swear against it, and then the superstitious who will do them “just because”. No matter what group you fall into, instead of resolutions this year, try setting intentions instead (or at the very least, set intentions along with your resolutions).
What are Intentions?
An intention is like an energetic North Star that you set for yourself that will guide you throughout your day, week, month and/or year. When you set an intention, you’re telling the Universe where you are focusing your energy. This then signals the energy around you (your energetic force, for lack of a better phrase), so that it sets the stage for your actions to follow the energetic path you’ve set for yourself.
Your intentions direct your energy and the actions you take to pursue your goals. With intentions, it’s about the journey rather than the end-result. It’s the energy you want to stay in and focused on throughout the desired period of time.
Intentions are neither goals nor resolutions
Goals and resolutions, however, are focused on the end result. They are the tasks that you’re looking to cross off your list and are usually measured by your ability to achieve them. A failure to reach a goal may conclude in failure; whereas, a failure to live by your intentions is no failure at all. Instead, it means that you are paying attention to your thoughts, beliefs, choices, and emotions… all of which are signs that your energy is focused and in the direction of your intentions.
Additionally, because goals and resolutions are also focused on the future, they’re like the proverbial carrot dangling in front of you. Yet, should you achieve your desired end goal, the question is – will it truly bring forth the desired result you’re seeking? Not sure what I mean? Let’s take a look at one of the most popular new year’s resolutions – weight loss.
In fact, how many of you reading this article today has ever resolved to start your weight loss journey as of January 1st? On that date, you will eat healthy and exercise plenty so you can finally shed the extra weight that “crept up” on you. You join the gym, exercise regularly, and eat healthy for the first few weeks. Then as reality sets in and life takes over, your monthly gym membership becomes the biggest monthly donation you make on auto-pilot. Don’t worry – if this sounds familiar, then you’re not alone. According to the Fitness Industry Association, most people who sign up for a gym membership in January either quit or stop going after just 24 weeks of joining, so if you’ve gotten further than that, you’re still ahead of the curve.
If, however, you’ve managed to reach your weight loss goal, what next? What did you achieve by slimming down to your ideal weight? Have you suddenly gained a new level of confidence that isn’t based on your weight? Were you able to confidently keep the weight off or have you been struggling to maintain your weight? Do you ever truly get to taste the carrot? This, of course, is not applicable to those of you who are losing weight for medical reasons.
On the other hand, what if you set a new year’s intention that you will grow to appreciate and love your body more each day (because at the end of the day, isn’t that one of the reasons you’re looking to get back into shape)? With each day, your ability to appreciate your body isn’t dictated by a number. Instead, your days are filled with a trial and error process of creating habits that will support your body the same way you would care for someone you love, which is dictated by understanding, compassion, and kindness. None of which is dictated by the number of times you go to the gym or by a number on the scale. It’s filled with understanding and patience, as you find the tools that work for you to appreciate yourself again.
Your intention guides you as you choose the level and type of exercise that is most supportive of your body’s needs at that time and continue to evaluate it as it grows stronger each day. The action of going to the gym now has meaning and your energy is focused on your North Star (intention) rather than your destination (which is nothing more than the human brain trying to control the outcome based on a story that doesn’t necessarily jive with our energy).
This is why intentions are so much more powerful than resolutions. They are also more sustainable too.
How to Set Intentions
Reflect: find a time and space where you can focus on yourself, and take this moment to reflect on what is important to you and how you wish to integrate this into your life.
Assess: your journey so far. What have you been focused on, and how has it been working out for you? Are you satisfied and content with what you’ve gained, or are you constantly seeking more? If the latter, then what more are you seeking? If you say something like “a bigger house” or “financial freedom”, look at the experience those things will bring you and then ask yourself if that’s what you’re really looking to gain.
Energize: lean into the energy of your intentions and get excited for what’s to come! How will you feel when you’re aligned with your intentions? Will the destination truly matter then?
For more information on setting powerful intentions in order to create a life that excites you, contact Jean Tien at info@jeantien.com.
Jean Tien, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jean is an intuitive mindset coach specializing in working with ambitious, career-driven women who have already achieved a certain level of success and are now ready to achieve more in life and find balance and fulfillment. She uses her intuitive abilities, as well as her own extensive corporate experience, to help women find their Zone of Genius, fully align with it so they can powerfully bring it into the world.
