As we all seem to do this time of year I have started thinking about what I want to change or do in the new year. (Which I can’t stop thinking is the year my twins will be starting Kindergarten, but more on that later I’m sure.)
What is a resolution? By definition it is “a firm decision to do or not do something”. In hindsight that sounds pretty firm. So, as the ball drops on NYE we all exclaim excitedly “I’m going to do this!” Within a month or so most of these resolutions have dropped as far as the post feed on Facebook.
I have had one, yes ONE, resolution survive past the first quarter of a new year and still continue to this day. That resolution was to wash off my makeup every night before bed, no matter what. But, was it the resolution that created this long term habit or something else?
It’s no secret that habits take repeating. Most sources will agree that it takes about 21 days for a habit to take hold (or be broken). In order for those 21 days to be successful you must be intentional. Ah, yes, there it is. And here’s another definition-Intentions: a thing intended, an aim or plan. I like the sound of that so much more.
I want to be intentional when I do things. I want them to have a reason and a purpose. I don’t want to do something just because I’ve made a “promise” to myself that is supposed to be ironclad. This is why so many resolutions fall to the wayside. We have to understand the the purpose and desire to achieve whatever goals we have set for ourselves. We must be intentional about what we do and why.
I think I have my list of intentions figured out:
- Learn to crochet. (I tried self-teaching via YouTube videos to no avail so I’ve decided to take some classes.)
- Read more. I currently average 1-2 books per month depending on the size but my intention is to up that 3-4 (or more, who knows!).
- And of course, everyone’s go to-be healthier. I don’t feel like I do a horrible job at this but my PCOS and Lupron injections work against me making it very discouraging at times. I want to be intentional about working harder and finding ways to work around my obstacles.
So there it is. I’m ditching resolutions and replacing with intentions. What are your intentions for 2018? I’d love to hear!
Multi-Passion Mama 