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Community Corner

Ditch the Resolution! Switch to the New Year's Intention

The arrival of a new year heralds for some the need to embrace the dreaded resolution. Merriam-Webster defines a resolution as the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc. So, Happy New Year! Now put down the champagne glass, put on the battle helmet, and prepare for success!

It’s no wonder that some estimates show that only 8 % of people are successful at achieving their New Year’s resolutions.

Enter the New Year Intention. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary states that to intend is to direct the mind on, to have (something) in your mind as a purpose or goal. While the word resolution implies an inherent resistance that needs to be overcome, the energy behind the intention is one of greater openness and possibility.

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Now you may be thinking, tomato, tomahto. Regardless of what I call it, I still have an extra 20 lbs to lug around. Yes, it is true that if you continue to munch on donuts and sit on the couch, your pant size will remain unchanged; but, may I humbly suggest that how you think about your goal is just as important as what you do to achieve it.

By definition, the resolution implies that there is something that needs to be fixed. The intention proposes a desire to create.

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Is there a difference between I have to and I want to? You be the judge. Fill in the blank with something you want to change, and pay attention to what you feel.
I have to (your resolution here).
I choose to (desired result here).

How does each of these statements resonate for you? Does one feel more expansive? Empowering? Motivational?

If you chose the “I choose” statement, it may be time to turn your resolution into an intention. To set your New Year’s Intention, start with these three steps:

1. Wholeheartedly intend on your desired goal. If you don’t feel it deep within your being, chances are you will not follow through to see positive results. Review all the reasons you want to change and all the outcomes of staying where you are. Don’t just list them, but feel and see them in your imagination.

2. Add a sprinkling of faith. Believe that your desired result will take place, and then release the thought. You may have to suspend all prior ways of thinking, but give it a try. You can always go back to the good ole resolution.

3. Joyfully look out for opportunities to support your goal. Once a true intention is set, if we are paying attention, we will be happily surprised to find unexpected people and situations who offer us assistance. It is not about searching, as much as it is about recognizing. So keep those eyes and ears open.

Once you have followed through on the 1, 2, 3’s of your intention, then:

Start something.  Just start. Want to lose weight? Start walking. Want to learn a new language? Get a book, sign up for a class. Get the energy moving. It may not be what takes you all the way home, but it will most definitely lead you in the right direction.

Find support. Tell a few trusted people of your intention, and let them know how they can support you. They will help you stay motivated and accountable to your goal.

Don’t give up. If something is not working, try something new. Whatever you do, do not stop trying. Giving up is the only sure way of failing.

Celebrate! Reward yourself for small accomplishments. You know the adage, a journey of a thousand miles… You have taken that first step, but there is no need to wait until you are on top of the mountain to celebrate. Do a little dance, break out the bubbly, or redo the hairdo all along the way. It makes the trip much more enjoyable, and you are more likely to stay on track until you reach your goal.

Many of us do not start creating what we want because we think we need to know how we are going to get where we want to be. The good news is that an intention does not require you to know how things will happen. It states, this is what I want to create. I am willing to do my part. Now send in the reinforcements, and let’s make this happen.

Need a little help in setting your intention for 2014?

Enjoy a special 2014 Complimentary Call with Life and Career Coach Isabel Martin-Ventura or attend the Spark Your Inner Fire for Change workshop on January 19th, and get on your way to creating what you want in the New Year. 

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