Intentions vs Resolutions
Intentions aren’t about pressure or perfection — they’re about clarity, alignment, and momentum. Here’s how intentions and goals work better together.
A New Year’s resolution is defined as: “A commitment to change or achieve something new.”
An intention is defined as: “Clear, focused, and heartfelt declarations of what you want to invite into your life.”
One is a statement to change, one is an invitation to change.
One is a to-do.
One is a to-be.
One can be perceived as fixed. One can be perceived as open.
But sometimes open is too vague and not action specific, so you need both to see and feel real change.
Intentions need to be simple and open enough to invite possibilities, but goals need to be strategic and measured.
It takes both commitment and discipline, while being open to change, possibility, and new opportunities.
Intentions are also expansive. They can be more general, which means that one intention can expand on several goals, behaviours, or habits.
It’s both in the work and holding the affirmation (intention) that makes your mind believe it can happen. Your mindset drives momentum.
Your mind can also tell you that you can’t do something, and that then becomes the problem for any progress.
So, what stops self-belief?
Self-doubt married with your own confirmation bias that you can’t. And then… you won’t.
Something niggling inside you that says “nah you’re not really going to do this, are you?” or “no, you’re not good at this”, and then you’ll sabotage yourself by looking for something to confirm this belief.
And the harsh truth? Mind games with ourselves are why we fail…
Sometimes, fixating on a goal can initiate a self-defeating cycle of avoidance.
So, how to re-frame?
Don’t make your goals reactive. I always like the idea of the slow reset. January is instead about clearing space, decluttering, both physically and mentally, to bring in new energy.
Don’t rush to achieve, or you’ll burn out. Slow intentional progress is better.
Sit with your intentions for a while and make sure they’re absolute and not completely complicated. If you’re reactive with them, the cracks will show once you’ve really reflected on what you want and what you really don’t.
Instead?
Use intentions to set your true north and emotional connection. Then combine your intentions and goals with aligned action to set up a powerful framework for success.
Intentions define your why.
Goals define your what and when.
Align your actions with your goals to ensure your journey is both purposeful and productive. This will foster fulfilment, even when outcomes may vary.
The Summary – Let’s break that down into steps:
1 – Set your intention – define the core values or feelings.
2 – Set your goal that aligns with your intention.
3 – Check in with your actions (daily, weekly, monthly). Ask yourself, does this action align with this intention?
4 – Review and refine – make them living, breathing things, not just throw-away statements you don’t look at again.
Need more clarity to achieve your goals? We’re here to help! Get in touch.
©️Sarah Thornton