Happy New Year!

Happy 2011!

The start of a new year is a great time for reflection, both of the previous year and of what we hope the new year will bring. Many of us set a new year's resolution, a goal that is supposed to guide us through the next 12 months. The problem, though, is that few of us actually follow through on these resolutions. You've no doubt noticed that the population of gyms, yoga classes, Weight Watchers meetings, etc. grow exponentially at this time of year, only to return to their original size by February. What gives?

Here's how I see it. A resolution is a goal that we set for the long term. For many of us, we set this goal without really thinking it through and making any kind of action plan - such as resolving to lose 50 pounds, eat healthier, become more active. On January 1st, we go out and join a gym, see results in the first week or two, and we are happy with our success. Suddenly it becomes more challenging. To see the same results, we have to work harder. It becomes less desirable to go to the gym now that you have to go more often and do more activity. Because we haven't made a sustainable plan to deal with these challenges, it becomes overwhelming. Soon after, we quit, resolution long forgotten.

Rather than making a resolution, I encourage you to consider making an intention. As I see it, an intention gives guidance for the present moment, rather than setting out large, often unrealistic goals for the long term all at once. Who says that we need the start of a new year to set a goal? Why not make an intention to guide each day! Setting a simple intention each day helps to relieve that heavy burden of a giant goal, basing your goal on your needs in this moment. Intentions are not the same thing as goals - a goal focuses on the future, often how we envision our lives to be at some point in the future. Goals often either beget more goals, or collapse entirely. Intentions are not focused on the future, they focus on the present moment instead. Your attention is set to what is happening right now, because our flow in life is always changing!

Goals are still very important and useful, as they help to direct our lives toward a specific trajectory. For example, becoming a dietitian is my long-term goal, so I have the goals of doing well in my classes to get to that final goal. In the meantime, my intentions will help me to not become attached to the outcome, and to help me make goals that are reasonable, attainable, and serve me well. While the goals are exciting and provide the ups and downs of life, coming back to an intention will help to keep you grounded, provide peace of mind, and help you to see your goals in a larger context of your life.

So ring in the new year with new goals and hopes for better living in the future - but consider making an intention to help you get there!