How to Set Authentic Intentions for a Year You’ll Love
Jan 01, 2025
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As we welcome in the new year, it's a wonderful time to reflect on our lives, and set intentions that align with our true selves. Unlike strict resolutions, intentions focus on how we want to feel and grow, guiding us toward a fulfilling and joyful year. So instead of only focusing on what you want to achieve, you can set meaningful intentions and stick to them, helping you create a year you'll love. This blog will show you how to set authentic intentions for a year you'll love - and a year that helps you with your goal to live your Best Life.
1. Reflect on Your Core Personal Values
Begin by considering what's truly important to you. Your core values — such as health, relationships, personal growth, or creativity — serve as a foundation for meaningful intentions. Your values guide your decisions, and help you stay true to yourself. Taking time to reflect can provide clarity and peace, helping you understand your deepest desires.
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2. Identify Areas for Growth
Think about aspects of your life where you'd like to experience positive change. Was there anything about the last year that you would like to focus on improving this year? This isn’t about judging yourself — it’s about learning what worked, and what didn’t. You might decide to improve your well-being, build stronger connections, or pursue a passion. Recognizing these areas helps in setting intentions that are both personal and impactful.
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3. Craft Clear and Positive Intentions
Articulate your intentions as clear, affirmative statements that resonate with you. Make them as specific to your intention as possible, for the best results. Some examples are mentioned below.
- "I intend to nurture my body with healthy foods and regular exercise."
- "I aim to cultivate deeper connections with my loved ones."
- "I choose to embrace new learning opportunities to grow my skills."
These statements should inspire and motivate you, reflecting a commitment to your well-being and happiness. Repeat them frequently throughout the day, and listen to what comes up. This can be a great way to determine what beliefs are standing in your way.
4. Create Visual Reminders
Keeping your intentions visible can reinforce them daily. Consider writing them down and placing them where you'll see them often, like on your mirror, or as a phone screensaver. Some people find that choosing a word or phrase to sum up their intentions helps keep them focused throughout the year. Examples could be ‘love’ or ‘connection’.
There’s power in putting pen to paper. Writing your intentions makes them feel more real, and keeps them top of mind. Place them somewhere you’ll see often, like your journal, a sticky note on your mirror, or even your phone’s lock screen.
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5. Develop a Supportive Routine
Integrate actions that align with your intentions into your daily life. If your intention is to enhance well-being, schedule regular physical activities you enjoy. For building connections, set aside quality time for family and friends. Creating a routine that supports your intentions makes them more attainable.
If you’re unsure what to do, or it all seems just a bit too hard, our 52 Ideas to Help You Live Your Best Life, One Week at a Time might be just the ticket to get you going. This resource offers simple, actionable ideas to keep you motivated and focused throughout the year. Whether it’s practicing gratitude, trying a new hobby, or setting aside time for self-care, these ideas make it easy to stay on track with living your Best Life. No thinking required, just follow the suggestion each week, and you’re done! A simple way to improve your life, one easy week at a time!
Remember, while big dreams are exciting, they can also feel overwhelming. Break your intentions into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if your intention is to "live healthier," start with a specific step, like ‘drink more water daily’, or ‘take a 10-minute walk after lunch.’
Life happens, and sometimes intentions need adjusting. That’s okay! Regularly revisit your intentions and tweak them as needed to stay aligned with your values and goals.
6. Practice Self-Compassion
Understand that progress is a journey, and it's okay to encounter challenges along the way. Be kind to yourself, and allow flexibility in your approach. Adjust your intentions as needed, and celebrate small victories to stay motivated. Remember, setting intentions is about guiding yourself toward a fulfilling life, not about perfection.
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7. Share Your Intentions
Sharing your intentions with a supportive community can enhance accountability and provide encouragement. Engaging with others who have similar goals creates a network of motivation and shared experiences, enriching your journey.
By setting authentic intentions that reflect your true desires, you pave the way for a year filled with purpose, love, and joy. Embrace this practice as a compassionate guide toward living your Best Life in 2025.
Setting authentic intentions is a powerful way to create a life filled with purpose, joy, and growth. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress. Use your values as your compass, stay open to change, and enjoy the journey. Here’s to a year you’ll truly love!
FAQ - Setting Authentic Intentions for a Year You’ll Love
Q - What’s the difference between resolutions and intentions?
A - Resolutions are often rigid goals focused on specific outcomes, like losing 10 pounds or saving a set amount of money. Intentions, on the other hand, are about the process and how you want to feel, such as prioritizing health, or practicing mindfulness. Intentions are more flexible and compassionate, making them easier to stick with.
Q - How do I know if my intentions are “authentic”?
A - Authentic intentions align with your core values, and reflect what truly matters to you — not what others expect, or what you think you “should” do. Take time to reflect on your values, passions, and areas where you want to grow. If it feels meaningful and exciting, it’s authentic.
Q - Can I set intentions at any time, or does it have to be at the start of the year?
A - You can set intentions anytime! While the new year is a natural moment for reflection, it’s never too late to realign your life with your values and aspirations. Every day is a fresh start.
Q - What if I forget about my intentions, or feel like I’m failing?
A - It’s normal to get off track. Intentions are not about perfection — they’re about progress. Revisit your intentions regularly, remind yourself why you set them, and adjust if needed. Small, consistent actions can create meaningful change over time.
Q - How do I stay motivated to follow through on my intentions?
A - Motivation comes from connecting with your ‘why’. Keep your intentions visible (such as a vision board, or Leonie Dawson’s Brilliant Year WorkBook), and build supportive routines. Revisit your intentions regularly and celebrate small wins. Tools like vision boards, journals, workbooks, or even a monthly check-in with a friend, can help keep you inspired. Sharing your intentions with friends, family, or a community can also help keep you accountable and inspired.
Q - Can I have more than one intention?
A - Absolutely! However, focusing on just a few key intentions can help you stay clear, and committed. If you have multiple intentions, make sure they’re realistic, and prioritize them to avoid overwhelm.
Q - How do I involve my family or loved ones in this process?
A - Share your intentions with them, and invite them to set their own. You can even create a vision board together, or set family-focused intentions, like planning quality time, or improving communication. Working together can deepen your connections, and support everyone’s growth.
Q - What if I don’t achieve my intentions?
A - It’s not about perfection. Even small progress means you’re growing. Adjust your intentions if needed and focus on what you’ve learned along the way.
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