How to Have an Intentional New Year

This is the time when we can reflect on the previous year in its entirety and think about what it meant to us. We can ask ourselves what we want to leave behind and what we may want to reconsider moving forward.

As a part of my reflection process, I set intentions for the year ahead. I started setting intentions instead of resolutions a few years ago, because I find more grace in being intentional than in having a resolution.

For me, resolutions feel rigid, and being intentional feels more aligned with being mindful. I am not against resolutions. I think any path that you take toward becoming a better person is positive, but intentions work best for me.

There are so many ways we can get creative with setting intentions. Being intentional is not about always doing, or not doing something. It’s about being mindful about when you are or are not engaging in certain behaviors. As a human being, you may face some challenges with your intentions, and that’s ok.

Here are some tips for setting up a more intentional new year:

Consider reducing certain habits instead of stopping them. I don’t want to ever stop eating candy, but I do take breaks. You have to figure out the path to change that works for you.
Have your intentions clearly outlined in writing. Keeping it inside your head isn’t enough. Writing down your intentions helps you to have clarity around what you want for yourself.
Put your intentions somewhere where you will see them. Don’t write down your intentions and then put them on top of the refrigerator. I use the Stickies app on my Macbook so my intentions live on my desktop. Whether you use pen and paper, or an app like me, keep your intentions in a place where they are visible.
Allow yourself some flexibility. Your desires may change. By the middle of the year, you may not want something you put on the list at the top of the year. Allow yourself enough space for your intentions to shift.
If you stumble, give yourself some grace. You don’t need to beat yourself up. That is not the purpose of setting these intentions. Be mindful, but don’t be harsh.

Read

After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Love, by Alex Elle. Available on Amazon and Bookshop.
What I Know for Sure, by Oprah Winfrey. Available on Amazon and Bookshop.
I Want to Thank You: How a Year of Gratitude Can Bring Joy and Meaning in a Disconnected World, by Gina Hamaday. Available on Amazon and Bookshop.

Watch

King Richard is a beautiful story about a father’s dedication to build his daughters into world class athletes. It’s a wonderful story because the girls actually liked it, and had a great appreciation for the goals their father set for them. You can watch King Richard on HBO.

Journal Prompts

Do you set intentions or resolutions?
What do you want to be mindful of in the new year?
What have you learned from 2021?

I hope you’re enjoying the Nedra Nuggets newsletter! Please share in the comments how this article resonated with you.

Disclaimer: I receive commissions for purchases made through links for Amazon and Bookshop.

How to Have an Intentional New Year

Nedra Tawwab

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