As the new year begins, there’s often a push to make big, bold resolutions—lose weight, save money, be more productive. While there’s nothing wrong with having big goals, the reality is that traditional New Year’s resolutions often feel rigid, overwhelming, and sometimes even impossible to sustain. That’s where the power of intentions comes in.
Unlike resolutions, intentions are rooted in purpose, flexibility, and meaningful growth. They don’t dictate a specific outcome but instead provide a framework for how you want to live and show up for yourself and your loved ones. This shift from "all or nothing" goals to mindful intentions allows you to focus on the journey rather than just the destination.
Why Intentions Work Better Than Resolutions
Intentions focus on how you want to feel, act, or grow, rather than what you think you need to achieve. For example:
A resolution might be: "I will exercise five times a week and lose 20 pounds by summer."
An intention could be: "I will prioritize my physical health in a way that feels joyful and sustainable."
The beauty of intentions is that they allow room for flexibility. If your week doesn’t go as planned, you can still feel good about taking small steps toward living out your intention, whether that’s a short walk after dinner or choosing a nourishing meal. Intentions don’t rely on perfection; they embrace progress.
Setting Intentions as a Family
Creating intentions doesn’t have to be a solo activity. In fact, involving your family can be a beautiful way to connect and grow together. Here are some fun and meaningful ways to set intentions as a family:
1. Host a Family Vision Board Session
Spend an afternoon with your family creating a vision board that reflects what you all want to prioritize this year.
Gather magazines, craft supplies, and photos representing your shared values and dreams.
Encourage each family member to contribute ideas—whether it’s a picture of a healthy meal to symbolize better eating habits, a park to represent outdoor time, or a word like "togetherness."
Hang the vision board somewhere visible, so it serves as a daily reminder of your collective intentions.
2. Hold Family Goal-Setting Meetings
Kick off the year with a family meeting where everyone shares what they’d like to focus on personally and as a group.
Keep it light and fun—serve snacks or play music to set the mood.
Help younger children translate their ideas into simple intentions, such as "be kind to my sister" or "read a book every week."
Revisit your goals as a family each month to celebrate progress and adjust as needed.
3. Create a "Word of the Year" for Your Family
Choose a single word that encapsulates your family’s collective intention for the year. For example:
"Adventure" if you want to prioritize travel and exploration.
"Calm" if you’re focusing on mindfulness and reducing stress.
"Connection" if your goal is to strengthen relationships within your family. Display your word in a creative way—paint it on a canvas, write it on a chalkboard, or turn it into a fun family craft project.
Small Steps Lead to Big Changes
One of the most powerful things about intentions is that they’re built on small, consistent steps. For example:
If your family’s intention is to spend more time outdoors, you could commit to a 15-minute walk after dinner a few times a week.
If your personal intention is to prioritize self-care, start by carving out 10 minutes each morning to read, meditate, or enjoy your coffee in peace.
These small actions may seem insignificant at first, but over time, they create a ripple effect that leads to lasting change. As the writer Annie Dillard famously said, "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."
Inspiration to Keep You Motivated
As you embark on this journey, remember that intentions are not about being perfect—they’re about being purposeful. Here are a few quotes to inspire you:
"Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out." – Robert Collier
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." – C.S. Lewis
"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." – Zig Ziglar
Make 2025 Your Year of Intentional Living
This year, let’s move away from the pressure of rigid resolutions and lean into the power of meaningful intentions. Whether you’re working toward personal growth, creating stronger family bonds, or embracing small, consistent changes, remember that each step counts.
Intentions offer a path to growth that feels authentic and sustainable. They allow us to navigate life with purpose while leaving room for the beauty of imperfection. So, take a deep breath, reflect on what matters most, and set your intentions for a year filled with joy, connection, and growth—for yourself and your family.