Embracing Intentions: A Guide to Meaningful Living

“The holidays don’t slow life down. They turn the volume up. And when everything is louder, how you choose to show up matters more than what you manage to accomplish.”

For many, this moment signals the start of goal-setting season. Lists are created. Numbers are assigned. Deadlines are established. While goals have their place, they are not always the best starting point.

The Difference Between Goals and Intentions

A goal is outcome-driven. It’s something to achieve, complete, or measure. A goal says: “This is what I want to accomplish.”

An intention, however, is identity-driven. It’s about how you choose to show up—regardless of the outcome. An intention says: “This is how I choose to be.”

Goals exist in the future. Intentions are rooted in the present. Goals can create pressure, while intentions foster alignment.

Why Intentions Can Be More Empowering

Here’s what often happens with goals:

We tie our sense of success—or failure—to whether we hit them. If we fall short, we don’t just miss the goal; we question ourselves. Intentions work differently.

They give you agency right now. You don’t have to wait for perfect conditions. You don’t have to control everything. You don’t even need to know how things will unfold. You simply choose how you’ll meet what’s already here. An intention can be practiced on a hard day, a chaotic day, or a day that looks nothing like you planned.

That’s what makes intentions so empowering—they’re always available.

The Quiet Strength of Choosing Intention First

When you set an intention, you’re not avoiding action. You’re grounding action in something deeper.

For example:

• A goal might be: “Grow my business by 20%.”

• An intention might be: “Lead with clarity and trust in every conversation.”

  
  

The goal provides direction. The intention offers integrity. When intention leads, goals become expressions of who you are—not tests of your worth.

A Simple December Exercise: Choosing What Guides You

Before the year turns, try this short exercise. No journaling marathon required.

Step 1: Name One Word. Ask yourself:

If I could choose one way of being that would serve me in the coming year, what would it be?

Examples:

• Ease

• Trust

• Courage

• Presence

• Clarity

  
  

Choose the word that feels grounding—not aspirational.

Step 2: Anchor It in Choice. Complete this sentence:

“No matter what this year brings, I choose to meet it with ______.”

Step 3: Practice It Daily. Each morning—or in the middle of a busy day—ask:

“What would this look like right now?”

That’s it. No pressure. No performance. Just a conscious choice, practiced again and again.

Moving Forward With Intention

As December draws to a close, you don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need to have it all figured out. What matters most is not what you’re chasing—but what you’re choosing.

When you choose your way of being first, everything else begins to organize itself around that truth. And that's where real change starts.

The Power of Intentions in Daily Life

Intentions can transform your daily experiences. They help you remain focused on what truly matters. By setting an intention, you create a framework for your actions. This framework guides your decisions and interactions.

For instance, if your intention is to cultivate presence, you will find yourself more engaged in conversations. You will listen actively and respond thoughtfully. This shift can enhance your relationships and improve your overall well-being.

Intentions vs. Resolutions

Many people confuse intentions with resolutions. Resolutions often come with a sense of obligation. They can feel like a burden. Intentions, however, are liberating. They allow you to approach life with curiosity and openness.

When you set an intention, you are not bound by specific outcomes. Instead, you are free to explore different paths. This flexibility can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.

The Role of Mindfulness in Setting Intentions

Mindfulness plays a crucial role in the process of setting intentions. By being present, you can better understand your desires and motivations. Mindfulness encourages self-reflection, helping you identify what truly resonates with you.

Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can enhance your ability to set and maintain intentions. Whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply pausing to reflect, these practices cultivate awareness.

Celebrating Your Intentions

As you move through the year, take time to celebrate your intentions. Acknowledge the progress you make, no matter how small. Celebrating your intentions reinforces their importance in your life.

You might consider creating a vision board or journal to track your journey. Visual reminders can keep you aligned with your intentions and inspire you to stay committed.

Conclusion: Wishing You a Joyful New Year

Wishing you and yours a blessed, peace-filled holiday and JOY and PROSPERITY in the New Year! Embrace the power of intentions as you step into the future. Remember, it’s not just about what you achieve, but how you choose to show up in every moment.

By focusing on intentions, you can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.