New Year's Intentions

At this time of the year we think about the idea of "New Year's Resolutions". Many of us are looking to make positive changes in both our business and personal lives, and we may even create a list of goals to achieve in the coming months.

An alternative to the ideas of resolutions and goals is the notion of Setting an Intention. While resolutions refer to our resolve and determination to do something, and goals are the results or achievements towards which this effort is directed, intentions are in some ways both, neither -- and more.

An intention is both the object intended, and the path towards that object.  Within the act of Setting an Intention is the belief that when we align our actions with a commitment to what matters most, the intended outcome is already ours. 

At different times in our lives many of us feel a strong desire for change -- and make a decision that it is time to do something about this desire.  Intentions come out of this decision. It might be a desire to change the kind of work we do, or perhaps the way we work; or, a desire to improve the quality of an important personal relationship. Here are some questions to ask yourself, when setting your "New Year's Intentions:"

• What is it that I desire to be true?

• Why? Where does this come from?

• What will achieving this desire fulfill in me, on a personal or professional level?

• How would my reality change by achieving this desire?

• What would I have to give up to achieve this desire? Am I willing to do that? 

In what areas do you desire to see change? Can you clearly envision -- and begin living and working towards -- your intended outcome? What obstacles might stand in the way?  What kind of support system can you create to help you as you move forward along your path?