Resolution, Resolve, Intention.

It's the Most Promising Time of the Year!

Let’s sing it together! “It’s the most promising tiiiiiiimmmmmeeeee oooooof the YEEEEEEAR!” Ahhhh, don’t you just love the vision board parties, personal resolutions, and those moments when everyone circles up to answer: “What’s your New Year’s resolution?”

But wait—have you noticed that people don’t ask this question as much anymore? They’ve realized something: resolutions work for some people, but for many others, they don’t. Why is that? I think I have part of the answer, so let’s see if it resonates with you.

Why Resolutions Often Fail

Let’s start with the word "resonate." It means to align with someone’s ideas, connecting something external to something internal. When we talk about resolutions, it’s not enough to say what you want—it needs to resonate with who you are on the inside. To truly hold the intention to manifest something externally, there must be inner alignment.

The problem is that many people state resolutions they want but haven’t done the inner work to ensure those resolutions resonate with their core. Without that resonance, the resolution feels hollow, and when old habits creep in with excuses, it’s easy to fall back.

The Role of Intention

This is where intention comes into play. Intention is an extension of resolution; it’s the actionable plan to achieve your goal. While your resolution might not fully resonate with you at first, intention bridges the gap, giving you the strength to overcome challenges. Intention eliminates excuses because it equips you with a plan. Think of it like keeping a saw in your trunk so that when a tree blocks the road, you’re ready to clear the path and keep moving.

The Connection Between Resolve and Intention

In order to move forward with your resolutions, you need resolve—a firm determination to achieve your goal. Without it, you’re likely to waver. Then, by the time 2025 rolls around, you’ll find yourself setting the same resolution all over again. Instead, why not take small, intentional steps now to create lasting change? When you approach your resolutions with resolve and intentions that resonate, your goals won’t seem so far off.

Steps to Align Resolutions, Intentions, and Resolve

Here’s a simple framework to help us (yes, including me!) stick to our intentions… I mean, resolutions:

1. Think About Your Desired GoalWhat do you want to achieve? Be specific and clear.

2. Evaluate Who You Are Right NowBe honest. Is the current version of you ready to execute what’s needed to achieve this goal? If not, pause here and revisit the last section for guidance on inner alignment.

3. Visualize Your GoalWrite it down, draw it, record it, sing it—whatever helps you create a vivid image of your goal.

4. Set IntentionsCreate actionable steps that align with your goal. For example, “Next week, I will drink three quarts of water every day,” or “In two weeks, I will have saved $20 in my credit union.”

   
   

Listen to Your Inner Guidance

These steps aren’t set in stone. Sit quietly and listen to your inner thoughts about what you need to do to align with your desires. Personally, I don’t always sit down to write my goals; they often flow to me organically. When they do, I ask myself what actions will bring me into alignment. Sometimes, it’s addressing a limiting belief before I even get started (stay tuned for that blog!). Other times, it’s as simple as making a phone call. This is the mental work that sets the foundation for success.

The Bottom Line

Resolutions, intentions, and resolve work together for your benefit. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, take small, intentional steps toward your goals. By doing the inner work and developing a firm determination, you’ll create a path where your resolutions resonate deeply, your intentions guide you, and your resolve keeps you moving forward—no matter what challenges arise.

Thank you for visiting the LovingYourselfToLife Blog! Subscribe now for more valuable insights on embracing self-love from within and living your life with purpose. Together, we can build a supportive LovingYourselfToLife Community—let’s connect, support, and inspire each other like true neighbors! J. Chatfield