Dont stress over resolutions this year, and try these forward-thinking alternatives instead.
But making positive changes in your life isnt about the end result,its about the process.
Thats why Jessica Estrada atApartment Therapyis choosing toprioritize intentions over resolutions.
Intentions are about the present moment, not the shapeless, unknowable future.
You stay focused on thehowinstead of on the pass or fail results.
For example, if you want to lose weight, dont set a goal like lose 10 pounds.
Make your intention to be more active, or be more mindful of your nutrition.
Each day you’re able to ask yourself How can I be more active than usual today?
Or How can I eat healthier than I usually do today?
The change youre after will follow.
Maybe on your box monitor, above your door, or on your bathroom mirror.
It will serve as a memory peg, always reminding you what this year is all about.
Commit to Helping Someone Else
Changing for the better doesnt have to be about you.
In fact, the best way to change ourselves is often by doing things for others.
Meghan Blalock atWho What Wearsuggests youmake a commitment to a personinstead of creating a goal for yourself.
Maybe you have a friend thats seen better days, or a family member whos struggling.
Or perhaps its a good time tostart volunteeringat that nearby community center or soup kitchen.
Making a commitment to someone doesnt have to be entirely selfless, though.
Make the new year about others and you might be surprised how far it will take you.
Thats perfectly acceptable, especially if youre already on the right track.
Think about all of the times you overcame hardship, solved problems, and came out on top.
Anddont forget to track your efforts too, and recognize how hard you worked.
It will get you pumped for taking on challenges in the new year.
So, dont worry about lofty goals.
Look back and realize how awesome you are, then think about how awesome things will be.
Make a Small Goal Just for January, Then for February, and so on…
If you absolutely must have a measurable, quantifiable goal of some kind, think of something simple.
So Ive broken it all down into approachable pieces.
Eventually, the whole learn Japanese thing will happen.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
Photos bygreg westfall,Colleen McMahon,SJU,Jrwooley6,Ferrous Buller.
