Over the last week, I’ve been thinking about how I can better define what progress towards my New Year’s resolutions will look like. Coming from a rehab background, I am very familiar with SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely. It’s a great framework for goals. However, it is very finite which makes embracing change as a part of life challenging.

I realized that I needed to figure out a different approach to resolutions. When the year’s end comes, I end up feeling self-defeated and beat myself up about not meeting my wellness goals. This does not help my struggle with feeling like I am not good enough. 

Why didn’t I figure out how to fully heal my gut yet? 

Why didn’t I get healthy enough to go on a 5-mile hike? 

Why didn’t I find the time to meditate 20 minutes everyday? 

While preparing for a coaching group call, I found the answer that has been right under my nose: set an intention. With coaching, I help clients make lasting lifestyle changes by helping them examine their mindsets. An intention is a mindset. It’s the heart of what you really want. Unlike a specific resolution, it gives you wiggle room on what actions you can take to fulfill it. You can change course as time goes by.

What is my intention for the year?

To have more energy to do the things I am passionate about.

So what do I do next? Action steps. 

I’ve learned to have more than 1 action step on hand to choose from for motivation. In the case one doesn’t work out, I’m not totally defeated. I can readjust and keep moving forward. 

So my 3 action steps for this month (you can keep me accountable!):

1. Drink half a liter MORE water every day (16 oz glass of water)

2. Take a 10 minute break to meditate each day

3. Get 20 minutes of sunshine MOST days of the week (factor in rain and snow in VA)

My intention fuels me to keep trying. I keep trying to move forward to find resilience for wellness.  

Do you need help setting your intention for 2022? I am offering a FREE Health Consultation for the month of January with significant discounts on my coaching packages. Book with me today.