When working on any project, which is more helpful? Firm, immovable decisions that rigidly define every step along the way? Or clear aims and plans that have the flexibility to evolve as needed?
Hopefully, we’re all in agreement. Most things in life require flexibility, with countless variables to consider at different stages of any process.
So why should setting goals for ourselves be any different?
The New Year often brings desire for change and improvement, and that can be a great thing. But as the months progress, goals appear unsustainable and motivation dries out.
How would it impact us long-term if we shifted from making resolutions, to setting intentions? And what are the key differences?
Resolutions are often black and white, with clear metrics for failure. They expect perfect follow-though, and often require us to rely on willpower – which countless research shows is finite.
Intentions, however, encourage us to approach our goals with more flexibility. Where a resolution may be a clearly defined behaviour or outcome, an intention could be considered more like a ‘first draft;’ the first of many steps that will carry us to where we’d like to be. Often, our first ideas aren’t our best ideas… we can always keep improving. Rather than defining exactly what we will do, define where we’ll start, and where we want to go.
Try setting an initial intention, and see how the mindset change allows you to grow with your goals, rather than feel discouraged the moment you perceive failure. Set-backs don’t negate progress; they’re just an opportunity to find more effective ways to move forward.