ISSUE 995 - December 2024

What's the difference, you ask? 

The difference is nuanced. A resolution and an intention are both focused on striving to change something about ourselves or our lifestyle choices.

However, a resolution tends to have a negative tone, emphasizing activities we are doing wrong, for example, overeating, eating or drinking items we shouldn't, or stopping unfavorable behaviors.

In previous years, I would resolve all the usual things: I'm going to lose weight, I'm not going to eat sugar, I'm going to take better care of my body, I'm going take better care of my mind, I'm going to take better care of my relationships, I'm going to do all these things that, when real life kicks in, are sometimes impossible to maintain.

If I didn't follow through on my resolutions, I accumulated massive guilt, which didn't help a thing. Did you know that by the end of the first week, 23% of people have quit their resolution, and by the end of January, 43% have given up? Only 9% of folks continue for the whole year. 

Conversely, an intention tends to be more positive, emphasizing inspired change. It's more of a framework from which we wish to operate or a global goal that spans every aspect of our lives.

When I set my intention for the year, I include a word I can focus on to guide my approach. This word is my beacon, and I write it everywhere to keep it at the top of my mind. One year, I even wore a bracelet with my word on it. 

My 2022 word was "Purpose". I devoted the year to discovering and living out my purpose. I went to classes, workshops, retreats, and masterminds, searching, honing, and finding my purpose. And it worked. My purpose is to influence and help people through connection and communication. Boom! 

2023 was "Implement". My intent for the year was to implement all of my accumulated knowledge from previous years. I set what I learned about my purpose in motion and created my speaking business platform, arriving at my topic, which is that I help couples turn daunting money talks into meaningful conversations that strengthen their financial harmony. Boom!

2024 was "Accomplish". My intent was not only to implement but also to accomplish my goals. My goals were not only centered around speaking but also traveling. And I made it happen. I traveled extensively this past year, with trips all over the United States and internationally to Mexico, Bali, and Australia. It was amazing.

As you can see, this "Intent" frame of mind is broader than a specific resolution and much more attainable. Being guided by a mindset instead of a particular task has made all the difference in my life. It has allowed me to move forward, feeling purposeful and accomplished. 

If you are wondering, this year's word is "Stillness." Don't get me wrong; stillness does not mean not doing anything—au contraire. 

My mode of operation often involves overdoing, overthinking, and, therefore, feeling overwhelmed. Being in a mindset of stillness is about being open and receptive in the moment--taking the time needed to reflect and proceed with intention. Oh, there it is! 

What is your word for 2025? What is your intention? If you still want to make resolutions, that's great. But if you want to try on something new that has a higher percentage of success, try setting an intention for 2025. I highly recommend it.