Resolutions vs Intentions

“If you’re going to grow, you have to be intentional.”

- Curt Kampmeier

2020 the entire world changed. Everything.

Watching the news was bizarre like a SciFi film. It was the first time we took a closer look of our lives on the mirror. We were uncertain and some of us suffered from anxiety and depression. We clutched to hope while we try to find it in a haystack when half of the world suffered.

The quote above was one of favorite while I was reading online about Living Intentional. Indeed, how can one grow without any intentions? Do we wholly accept what is being thrown to us without hesitation while lying on an open ground under the heat of a summer day and exclaim “Hey man, I cannot do anything with the sun but it burns, it hurts."

Resolutions are for the plans or objectives we tried to accomplish nevertheless it never happened, this is ingrained in us that every year we cross out our list while the rest are carried on until the next year comes. Guaranteeing ourselves that this would be “the” year. Derided. Let’s be honest that list will still be the same next year. Though I strongly applaud to those who embody determination and persistence who has their eyes on the prize while there are the rest of us who are only good at the beginning and no follow through. I am guilty of the latter.

Why keep resolutions? How about shifting to Intentions.

Intentional living simply means to live the life that you truly want. A life by design of your choosing, rather than living a life that just ‘happens’ to you. It sounds wonderful and simple in theory, but of course there are barriers that need to be overcome – mainly our own thoughts.

- thegoalchaser.com

As soon as we face day one of new year we want to start fresh and continue the good habits we picked up during the lock down. Our goals and priorities change over time so resolutions may not be relevant anymore.

Why should we settle in crossing out a resolution when it is defined as a firm decision to do or not to do something whereas, Intentional is designing the life we truly want.

Reviewing every aspect of our lives with a laser pointer will help us to identify what is our ultimate intention for this year. Pick up that journal we got from our favorite coffee shop to kick off and write down every single facet of our life from family, career, health, or overcoming a trauma etc. The detailed the better its straightforward to our priorities and intentions -

a better job, put aside saving's money, family and relationships with the surrounding people, support local community, open a business, take online classes, healthy habits, letting go negative patterns such as checking social media every morning and exchange it to meditation etc.

By living intentionally we bring happiness in our space, love in what we do, respect with our relationships. The absence of external and internal noise allows us to gain clarity.

So, what are your Intentions for this year? Sounds better right? But more importantly it’s practical and realistic.

This year we’ll be blessed with Joy, Love, and Success. You and I deserve it. Affirm it.