01/01/2024
New Year’s Morning Reflection and Intention Setting (worth the read if you’d like a superb 2024)
Many set resolutions to start the new year, but few can keep them. One major reason is the misalignment between the choice of wording and actual desired goal. A resolution is the noun form of the adjective resolute, which means “admirably, purposeful, determined, and unwavering.” Words carry weight. Are you ready to embody these traits as you set forth in your resolution?
The Bible says in Proverbs 17:27-28 “Intelligent people choose their words carefully. Those who know what they are doing remain calm. Silent fools seem wise. They say nothing and appear to be smart.” At the core of this verse is that silence is the best option if we are unsure as to how to articulate what we want to say. Think before we speak. Is resolution the exact right word for the specific goal you have chosen?
When I work with life coaching, fitness, and weight management clients one of the questions I often is ask is “Why?” Why do you want to lose weight? Why do you want to get stronger? Why do you want to be less stressed? Why do you want to change jobs? We can learn a lot about ourselves and our deeper underlying motivations when we ask ourselves why. Surface level answers to these questions may be obvious, but it is important we become acquainted with our underlying set of values. It is difficult to approach a task or objective admirably with purpose and unwavering determination if the reason we are doing so is unclear.
Last year through a formal assessment process that I now use for my clients, I identified my top three values as control, spirituality, and helping others (I know, I laughed when control came up, but it makes sense). I set a resolution to make changes in my life which meant increasing the time I spent cultivating these areas of my life by breaking them into smaller goals. I like to call these intentions. For control, I set the intention to become debt free except for student loans by the end of the year, to abstain from any mind- or mood-altering substances, and to set stricter boundaries with relationships in my life and my social media. For spirituality, I intended to deepen my relationship with Christ and gain close fellowship with faith-filled women. For helping others, I set the intention to secure employment in a helping profession as well as volunteer. I am pleased to report that my 2023 intentions were accomplished!
All the intentions required planning and action steps, as well as prayer, reflection, and assistance from mentors and/or others…not to mention some effort, sacrifice, and vulnerability. I enrolled in some structured spiritual growth programs through my church and in my community, I found a mentor, I got a roommate as opposed to living alone, and I gained and lost friends. It is important to note that some of my plans required reworking, which is part of the process. I had job prospects fall through, I had to be realistic about my time and energy levels in making commitments, and sometimes the right decisions were just plain hard, and I cried, pushing through. However, because of my intentions, I can say that 2023 was the best year of my life. I am the most joyful, healthy, and hopeful that I have ever been in my life. I am strong, confident, and successful. I am loved, and I have love which I give to others. God is good, and I can say honestly that I live with purpose and passion.
As 2023 closes, and 2024 opens its welcoming doors to us, I challenge you to explore your values before embarking on resolutions. What is your WHY? Are you ready to approach your wildest dreams admirably with purpose and unwavering determination? What intentions will you set to bring your resolution to fruition? How will you know you achieved your intentions? When will you have achieved intentions? Who can help you in these endeavors? If these questions seem too much for you, I encourage you to seek a life coach even if that is person not me. Most importantly, I encourage you to really search deeply for your values so that you can find your place in a world so full of pain. The world needs you. I promise.
To making 2024 the best year of our lives!!!
In gratitude,
Nicole L. Martin, MS, ACE-BCS/WMS
Written: January 1, 2024
