Where Do We Go From Here?

1-6-21

Wasn’t it lovely to bid goodbye to 2020? Yikes, what a year! We have a long way to go before the pandemic is tamed. None of us really ready yet to process all that happened last year. There are serious issues facing humanity that we can no longer ignore since the world slowed down and they came into focus. Certainly we cannot see where the world is headed next. However, there is still hope at we start a new year that we can learn from all we have been through in the last 9 months and that somehow we can make things better.

I gave up making new year resolutions many years ago. It seems kind of mean to demand often huge changes from my body, mind, or emotions and insist that I have to do it within a certain time or be branded a failure. The U.S. News and World Report states that 80% of such resolutions ultimately fail, with most people quitting them before the end of February. Yet, many still make resolutions year after year. Perhaps there is something deep within us that wants to grow, change, and become, and the new year is good time to acknowledge that yearning. Let’s look at how we can do it in a kind, self-supporting way that can increase our chances of accomplishing the things that we wish were different.

Intentions make more sense to me than resolutions. An intention says, “I am commit myself to this thing I want. No matter how long it takes or how many obstacles I have to go around on the way, I won't give up. I will do what I set out to do.” An intention, gives me flexibility that allows for delays and unexpected circumstances. Flexibility seems more important than ever right now, in a world in flux on all levels with no clear indicators of what life will look like in the future.

Intentions reflect the essence of what we want rather than the form, giving us endless options for obtaining what we want. “I intend to receive love in all forms” evokes a feeling of being loved that can be satisfied in many situations and with many people. Whereas, “I have to find the perfect partner who has XYZ qualities in 6 months” seems way less achievable. If my image of the person, situation, or object I want is too narrow, I can miss all kinds of other great possibilities and set myself up for failure.

Jason Jennings' oft-repeated quote seems applicable: "Think big, act small". An intention can be broken down into doable goals with practical action steps that match the time and energy available at any given time. I can work toward my intention with ease and be happy with my progress when I anticipate change and adjust accordingly. Even my stubborn streak comes in handy because, when I say, "I am going to do this", I mean it. Yet, I am ready to adjust the timing and cut myself some slack if life gets crazy. Combining determination and kindness seems to be create a magical formula that helps my dreams come true.

Another way to forge a pathway in a new year is by choosing guiding words. This approach has gained popularity in the business world https://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/why-set-yourself-up-for-failure-ditch-new-years-resolution , yet it is just as effective as an aid to achieving personal goals. Ideally, like intentions, guiding words or phrases are borad in scope and can be applied in endless ways as the year progresses, providing many opportunities for success. Verbs like “appreciate”, “wonder”, and “create” as wells as nouns like “gratitude”, “clarity”, and “joy” can be found in many life experiences in you are intentionally looking for them. This increases the likelihood of feeling successful at the end of the year. Once you choose your word you can even proclaim it to the world with on Instagram #wordoftheyear.

No matter how you structure your thoughts about the new year, you can set yourself up for success by remembering that life is more fun when you enjoy the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination. If you can imagine how you would want to encourage a friend to keep going when times get tough, you can apply the same kindness and support to yourself, which will be something else to feel proud of at the end of 2021.

Try This:

1-Think of a feeling you would like to have at the end of 2021. It can be something you want more of or a new feeling altogether. Choose a word and/or phrase that has potential for appearing in many forms and situations in your life throughout the year.

2-Set an intention to notice, attract, and nurture people, situations, and activities that evoke that word or phrase.