Happy New Year! I have a love/hate relationship with this day. Does anyone else feel a little depressed when the holidays are over? It certainly helps living in Florida because the weather isn’t cold and gray, but I still get some of the blues.
In other news, how lucky are we that New Year’s Day is on a Thursday, a.k.a. the best day in the blog world?! Amanda planned this right. I’m assuming many people have posted/will be posting something about New Year’s resolutions today, if not soon. Here’s my take…
In the past I’ve tried the “New Year’s resolution” tradition and failed. Like so many people, two or three months into the year I’ve given up or even forgotten my resolution. I’ve been too obsessive. I’ve been too lazy. Regardless, it ended in some form of disappointment.
I think my issue with New Year’s resolutions in particular is the idea that January 1 is the only or best day to make a change in your life. Something about making a “New Year’s” resolution adds pressure.
Can you tell how happy he was to wear this?
But because I’m not against resolutions and I like the sense of a fresh start, I set intentions. They’re guidelines for how I want to live my life. Success is not contingent on reaching a certain number in the weight room, on the scale or on the Garmin. I’ll share what I mean…
In 2015 I hope to:
-Read more
-Write more thoughtful and purposeful posts
-Send more snail-mail to family and friends
-Welcome personal and professional risks
-Stay in tune with my body in regards to running (don’t feel pressured by social media)
-Build my yoga practice
Simple, right?
These intentions don’t have numbers, timelines or a way to measure progress. Not “SMART” goals. Yet these are reminders I plan to keep with me throughout the year. They’re personal in the sense that I don’t need help or accountability from others. If I stray from the intention, I didn’t fail…I can hop back on track.
I hope to live in the present and act mindfully in 2015. That’s a big difference from my resolution in 2010 to run 1,000 miles. But I think this one will be more valuable longterm.
Check out this article from The Everygirl for another perspective on setting intentions.
Do you set New Year’s resolutions or intentions?
Are you watching football today? Most definitely!
O my gosh! These are all perfect! I love them all and want to do them all myself as well!
(Girl, what’s your address? I want to send you snail mail! Haha!) XOXO
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Dear Me, In 2015
Emailing you now, girl!
I really love these intentions! :) Especially snail mail, like we talked about at Christmastime. I think the yoga and running ones are good too! I have some goals I’d like to work on for 2015, but I don’t really see them as resolutions, either.
I’m bummed the holidays are over too, but they’ll be back again before we know it!
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…WIAW – Post-Christmas Catch Up
Just read your intentions post :) The Emily’s think alike again!
I love your intentions! It is great to set these without the stress of having to meet them within a certain time. I set goals for the month and some intentions for the year as well. I am cheering on my Spartans playing football today!!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Cheers to a New Year!
Nice win for your Spartans! I hate the negative pressure I feel from setting goals with strict deadlines. Goals should be motivating not controlling.
I’ve gone all out with resolutions before and then completely fallen off the wagon. I like the idea of using intentions to put yourself back on track. I can be very self-critical, and this sounds like a very positive alternative.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Run Less Run Faster: Weeks Eight & Nine
I can be very self-critical too. I like goals that don’t have a strict time deadlines.