BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
New Year’s resolutions often come with high hopes and, let’s face it, high failure rates. For many, they’ve become synonymous with frustration and unmet expectations. But what if the problem isn’t you, but the concept itself? According to change coach Niamh Ennis, there’s a better way to approach self-improvement: setting intentions.
“An intention is, at its heart, a guiding value for how you want to be and feel,” Ennis explains. Unlike resolutions, which are often rigid and goal-oriented, intentions tap into the deeper essence of what matters most to you. They reflect how you want to show up in the world and align your actions with your values, creating meaningful and lasting change.
What are intentions?
Intentions are not goals, nor are they the trendy, often oversimplified act of manifestation. Instead, they’re rooted in how you wish to feel and what you want to embody. Ennis suggests examples such as “forgive myself for not getting everything done” or “let go of the constant self-judgment and criticism of myself and others.”
Intentions are less about checking off a box and more about nurturing a way of being. “Their measure can’t be something tangible,” Ennis says. Instead, they evoke feelings and provide a compass for navigating your personal journey.
How to set intentions that stick
Ready to try intention-setting? Start by reflecting on your core values and asking yourself what truly matters. Here are some questions Ennis recommends for clarity:
- What matters most to me right now?
- How do I want to show up in the world?
- What would I like to build, create, or nurture more of in my life?
- What am I ready to release and let go of?
From there, choose a word, phrase, or wish that resonates deeply with you. It could be something simple, like “freedom” or “vulnerability,” or a more specific aspiration, like “spread more love” or “embrace joy.”
Ennis advises keeping intentions positive and rooted in abundance rather than scarcity. Instead of “stop judging others,” try reframing it as “open my heart more to others.” This shift in language fosters a mindset of growth and self-compassion.
Why intentions work better than resolutions
Resolutions often set us up for failure by focusing on external achievements or arbitrary benchmarks. Intentions, on the other hand, are grounded in personal values and are intrinsically motivating. They’re less about what you “should” do and more about how you want to live.
“When you align your thoughts about what is important with what you want to create in your life, your intention appears,” Ennis says. This alignment allows you to chart a personal path that feels authentic and empowering.
Unlike resolutions, which are frequently abandoned by February, intentions can evolve and grow with you throughout the year. By coming from a place of love and curiosity, intention-setting creates a sustainable practice for self-discovery and personal growth.
A sprinkle of magic
While intention-setting is grounded in self-reflection and action, Ennis encourages embracing a touch of magic. “Of course, we need to show up and do the work, but we also have to lean into the magic of the universe,” she says.
This balance between effort and trust helps bring intentions to life. Start small, stay curious, and allow yourself to grow into the changes you’re seeking. As William Butler Yeats beautifully put it, “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”
This year, forget the resolutions that never stick. Instead, set intentions that align your heart and mind, and watch as they transform your life.
