Many of us use the time prior to the new year to reflect upon the events, losses and triumphs of the previous one. Do we want more of the same, or are necessary changes needed? Where do we go from here?
And after the chaotic maelstrom that was 2020, I’m sure many of us are looking for a reprieve.
I understand that some choose to commit to a new years resolution to improve their life. On its face, this all sounds quite noble.
I don’t believe in resolutions, I believe in intention setting and here’s why.
A study by researchers at Scranton University observed 200 people for 2 years who made a new years resolution. The group started out strong with 77% being able to get through week 1. But by mid-January to early February, the resolutions were essentially dropped. Surprisingly, 19% of them kept their resolutions for the full 2 years - that’s approximately 38 people.
Bummer…
Is it because resolutions are typically based on things we should already be employing such as eating more veggies and drinking water? Or maybe its tied into a desire for perfection, as if loosing weight will bring us endless joy.
Apparently, there are 5 basic stages for a change to take hold via the Transtheoretical Model. Like many things in life, making a change is a process. Picking January 1st to be the day that change will manifest without the thought behind it is why we ditch our resolutions by February
Resolutions don’t work and they make us feel worse about ourselves for not having stuck to them.
They’re things you ‘should’ do, but did you ask yourself if you’re ready too? A very wise friend told me, that ‘should’ is could with ‘shame’. Ouch…
I’m alllll about self-improvement and expansion, but not at the risk of falling into a shame spiral. And this is why I prefer to set an intention. We set intentions when we realize that our current life is out of touch with our deepest desires.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and you need both your mind and your intuition to be on board.
Dr. Tara Swart, who wrote the amazing book The Source talks about the neuroplasticity of change and intention setting. You need to take the time and tap into what it is you want to change, identify it and find an action plan that works for you. No matter how small the step, with consistency, it will transform your brain and your life.
Whether you practise mindfulness or not, take a moment and sit with yourself. Ask yourself what you’d like to see manifest differently in your life; try not to let your chatty mind interfere too much. What is your gut saying?