Setting intentions for the new year is a powerful way to guide your focus and energy towards positive growth and meaningful achievements, whether these be more energy, greater fitness, improved gut health, weight loss, sounder sleep, improved mood or something else that is important to you on your health journey at the moment.
Here is a short guide that can help you to set intentions for the upcoming year. It is important to take some time to yourself to think about what you want your daily habits to look like this year and how you want to feel each day. This all starts with taking a step back to really understand and honour who you are and who you want to be, including your core values and priorities.
Reflect on the Past Year:Â Begin by reflecting on the previous year. Consider your accomplishments, challenges, and the lessons you've learned. Identify areas of your life or habits that you developed where you experienced growth or areas that may need improvement. This reflection will provide valuable insights into what habits you want to carry forward and what you want to leave behind.
Identify Your Values: Clarify your core values. What matters most to you? Aligning your intentions with your values will ensure that your goals are meaningful and fulfilling and that your new habits stick long-term. Whether it's energy, positivity, weight, fitness or longevity, understanding your health values helps create a foundation for intentional living and positive change that lasts.
Set Specific and Positive Intentions:Â Instead of vague resolutions, set clear and positive intentions. Frame your goals in a positive light, focusing on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid. Be very specific about the changes you'd like to make and the habits you want to develop and write them down. For example, instead of "I'd like to get fitter" set a specific intention like "I will attend Pilates once a week, do Exercise Snacks every day when I brush my teeth and do a brisk walk on Monday morning at 7am"
Prioritise:Â It's essential to prioritise your intentions to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Identify the most important areas of your life that you want to focus on - you might want to choose. This will help you allocate your time and energy effectively, preventing burnout and increasing the likelihood of success.
Create a Vision Board:Â Visualise your intentions by creating a vision board. Collect images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals and aspirations. Display this board in a place where you'll see it regularly, serving as a constant reminder of your intentions.
Break Down Goals into Actionable Steps:Â Transform your intentions into actionable steps. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. This approach makes it easier to track progress and celebrate small victories along the way, keeping you motivated. You might want to start a health diary with notes on your food and movement, habits and how you feel.
Cultivate a Positive Mindset:Â Foster a positive mindset by practising gratitude and mindfulness and looking honestly at any stress in your life. Focus on the present moment and acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. A positive mindset will help you overcome challenges and setbacks with resilience. Look for some tools that you can use to help you with this - it might be journalling or a Meditation app.
Regularly Review and Adjust:Â Periodically review your intentions and assess your progress. Life is dynamic, and circumstances may change. Be open to adjusting your intentions if needed, ensuring they remain relevant and aligned with your evolving priorities.
Accountable:Â Share your intentions with a friend or family member or with our Community, for support and encouragement. Having someone to hold you accountable can enhance your commitment to your goals. Can you take a moment now to write 5 intentions for this month?
Celebrate Achievements:Â Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Acknowledge the progress you've made towards your intentions. This positive reinforcement will motivate you to continue working towards your goals.
By following these steps, you can set meaningful intentions for the new year and embark on a journey of long-lasting habit change, personal growth and fulfilment. If you want any help with setting and sticking to your intentions this year, please do get in touch with me hello@beccajonescoaching.com or follow along @beccafooddiariesÂ
See you soon
Becca x