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For those of you that may be new to the idea of setting intentions, you might be thinking that it’s already too late to start your intention setting for 2019.
Luckily, setting intentions is a lot more fluid and flexible compared to setting resolutions. Intentions are multifaceted, and allow us to gain more clarity by focusing on a particular area of our lives that we wish to excel at on a given day.
Related: Why Intention Setting Matters (And How to Set Them)
For me, taking the time to define my intentions is like hitting a ‘Reset’ button on my life. It allows me to zoom out and take a look at the bigger picture, while also adding more direction to my daily life.
For the tools I use to set daily intentions, check out Adviceable’s Daily Wellness Planner.
If you’re looking for ideas to develop your own intentions this year, try one of these 10 intentions to get you started.
10 Intention Setting Ideas for 2019
1. I will say yes to my needs more. It’s all too easy to put others’ needs before our own, and thus neglect ourselves. This year, strive to say yes to your own needs more.
2. I will respond more than I react. Sometimes we react before we thoughtfully respond. Slow down, and choose to respond instead of reacting.
3. I will make time to unplug and disconnect. We all know that unplugging is beneficial for our mental health in more ways than one, and yet we still struggle to make time to disconnect. This year, set aside a few minutes daily and make unplugging a priority.
4. I will spend more time in nature. Pair your ‘unplugged’ time with getting outside in nature. Nature is one of the most grounding forces, and helps us to connect more to the present moment.
5. I will be grateful for what I have at the end of each day. Choosing to be grateful can make all the difference in our attitude at the end of the day. To learn more about how to practice gratitude, check out this article.
6. I will fuel myself with positive self-talk, rather than criticism. Our inner dialogue is one of the most powerful forces in our lives. It can either propel us forward, or hold us back. Choose positive self-talk to push yourself further, and don’t let your inner critic win.
7. I will practice self-respect in my interactions with others. Sometimes we compromise our self-respect unknowingly. For example, always saying yes when we actually need a break. Or resorting to self-deprecating humor in conversation. Or always tolerating the flaky friend that habitually stands us up. This year, respect yourself enough to say no to these behaviors.
8. I will practice single-tasking more than multi-tasking. Multi-tasking may sound good in theory, but it actually reduces our overall ability to focus, and compromises our performance. When you work, choose to be present in that moment, and focus on that single task.
9. I will recognize that I am flawed, and that imperfections are perfectly normal. Humans are an imperfect species, and yet we still try our hardest to be absolutely perfect. Give yourself a break. It’s ok to have flaws, and it’s ok to not have all the answers.
10. I will focus more on the bigger picture rather than sweating the small stuff. When we get mired in the details, we lose sight of the bigger picture. We cause ourselves needless worry and anxiety, when in reality we could simplify our lives infinitely by just looking at the bigger picture. When you find yourself stressing about the small stuff, take a step back, and remind yourself of what’s really important.
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