Ditching New Year’s Resolutions for New Year’s Values
Tis the season for resolution creation. While some resolutions have “stickiness”, a recent US News & World Report survey found that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February and I believe it’s because of the ENERGY behind the resolution making process.
The mainstream approach to resolution making is problem based. We “think” we have a problem so we create a statement (aka a resolution) to solve it. Spoiler alert…you don’t have a “problem”! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you; however, evolving on the other hand, is totally normal and a natural cycle of life. See, it’s the energy BEHIND creating a resolution that matters because that’s the foundation for the feelings you experience and actions you take in the year ahead.
Let’s explore this:
If your resolution is to lose weight, what's the thought behind that? Is it because you “think” you need to look a certain way or is because you value your health?
If your resolution is to get more organized, what's the thought behind that? Is it because you “think” you're a hot mess or is it because you value focus and clarity?
If your resolution is to learn a new skill, what’s the thought behind that? Is it because you “think” you're not doing enough or is it because you value growth and expansion.
Can you see and feel the subtle energy differences behind these resolutions?
This is why I replace resolution making with a values exploration.
Rather than begin the year focused on “fixing problems” I invite you to start the year exploring what’s important to you.
This small, yet massive shift, grounds your year into more expansive and joyful energy. When you start the year with this energetic frequency you will feel inspired, empowered and crystal clear on where you want to focus your energy for 2023 and what you want to call in.
So grab a writing instrument, piece of paper or open up a blank document on your computer and answer these questions:
What is most important to me right now?
Write down EVERYTHING that comes to mind and include why it’s SO important to you. Write full sentences, phrases or specific moments. Let anything and everything just flow from your mind and body here.
Reflecting back on your list from above, select 3-5 words that represent the essence your answers (these become your values).
Use this list of words from James Clear for inspiration.
Now that you have your values identified, create an intentional statement using those words.
An intentional statement will be affirmative, positive and forward looking. Ideally, its one sentence
Here’s my statement as an example: I will embrace adventure, freedom and flexibility in all circumstances.
There you have it! You just completed a New Year’s values exploration. 👏👏
Keep your intention statement accessible and top of mind each day. Write it on a post-it note and hang from your bathroom mirror, put it on the first page of your journal so you can reference or write it as a note on your phone and make it your wallpaper. This statement becomes your 2023 lighthouse that you can always come back to, check-in on, create specific goals to support and upgrade throughout the year.
Want to take this exercise a step further?
Hit reply and share your 2023 intention statement with me. It’s one thing to shift your energy individually, it's another to begin to share that exchange with other people. 💕