Resolutions and Intentions

Whether or not we make formal New Year's resolutions, most of us expect ourselves to have fresh hopes and intentions of some sort as the new year rolls in. If you aren't aware of yours yet, take a moment to discover what your mind is expecting of you in 2011. This will get you going:

I really ought to ____ this year.
It's time to ______!
I have to stop/quit/give up _________ or else ___________.

Notice what happens to your energy and emotions as you fill in those blanks. Listen to what your mind is telling you and the tone of those messages. You may want to jot some of your mindtalk down and verify it.

Now try a different approach.

I want to be _________ this year.
I want to create _________.
I want to serve ___________.
I want ____________.
It would give me great joy to _________.

Now follow each statement with "because".

I want to be ______ this year because...

Notice what happens to your energy. What do you feel as you embrace what you really want to create?

Now you are ready for resolutions. You can use the Results Process to map out what you intend to create, why it matters to you, the steps you commit to take, and the support that you will put in place. Not familiar with the Results Process or need a refresher? Here are the steps.

Result: State the result you want to create, making sure it is SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed, as in when you intend to have it done).
Intention: With your eyes closed, and breathing deeply, describe your intentions for creating this result. You want it because...
Visualize: Picture yourself creating and having the result. Use your imagination to make it as real to you as you can.
Actions: What actions will you take? Make a list of steps with due dates.
Support: Who will support you and how? Don't leave this crucial component out!

Happy New Year! Happy new being and creating!