I’m Not Doing It!
I suck at New Year’s resolutions.
Even the years I vow not to make them in the first place, somehow, I still fail.
Only 8% succeed with their New Year’s Resolutions.
I take comfort in the fact I’m in good company. 92% of New Year’s resolutions are not achieved. (1) This Forbes article is from a few years back, but I figure the numbers haven’t changed all that much.
So, you probably had the same issue last year. And the year before. And the year before that.
Goal setting is a noble cause, but I think the problem is that goals are very black and white.
You succeed or you fail. They are specific and anything short of perfect seems lacking. They are future focused which gives you something to constantly worry about. Success is based on external judgement. Goals are outcome driven.
I’ve learned a lot in the last little while about these minefields. About the fear they generate. About the self esteem they wither. About the motivation that quickly wanes.
I’ve also learned another way. Intention setting.
Imagine you are taking a road trip (when the Covid era is over). You have a direction, maybe a map. Most certainly GPS. Are you focused on your destination? If so, then your chief tool is probably GPS – it is clear, black and white, specific to distance and time, constantly correcting your detours from the quickest route.
What if, instead, you are focused on your journey? Exploring the small towns along the way, checking out Mom & Pop restaurants, vegetable stands, buskers, dipping your toes in the ocean. Chances are you are more likely to follow road signs, referring to a map only if you need to in order to get you back on course after your marvelous little side trip.
Goals = GPS
Intentions = Road Signs
Intention focuses on process, how you feel in the moment. It is simple and somewhat vague, which allows flexibility to explore. Intention becomes your North Star, always there for you when you need it. It acts like a filter, helping you sort through all the information automatically bombarding you, and handing you information relevant to your destination.
“Setting your intention is like drawing an arrow from the quiver of your heart.”
I believe long before diving into goals, one needs to examine intentions, from the inside out. Heart wisdom doesn’t steer us wrong. The best way to access that wisdom is through Intentional Creativity®. Moving a pen or brush while contemplating important questions allows creative answers to rise to the surface.
If you would like to find out how this works, I’m offering a virtual Co-Creators New Year Check-In January 9th &16th. I would love to have you join me and create your map for 2021.
Blessings in the New Year,
Natalie
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