Are you still setting New Year’s resolutions? Maybe it’s time to try a different strategy. It could be time to transition to setting an intention for this fresh, shiny year.

I’ve always been optimistic and ambitious. By age 12, I typically set 10-15 resolutions each year. I’m still a fan of goal setting. I love the rush of accomplishment I feel when I tick completed items off of a list. However, now I like to start the new year on the wings of a thoughtful intention, rather than just a list of to-dos.

In 2013, my intention was “creating space.” I left my corporate job to fully devote my working hours to expanding my consulting and coaching business. For the first time since 1984, I was no longer fully committed to a job for 40 to 60 hours each week. My aim was to resist the urge to fill that time, those hours, with “activity” in order to feel successful. I was seeking space in my life….unscheduled time to reallocate to writing, speaking, meditation, friends and family, health and building my business.

The results – I met a great editor and have started a book. I was sought after for multiple speaking engagements. I hired a new mentor from whom I’ve already learned a great deal. I established new alliances and I’ve grown my business. I now have a personal trainer (for the first time in my life!). I regularly meditate and have enriched relationships with friends and family.

I’m not the only one trying this new approach. One of my friends created an intention of “love.” She would only buy things she loved, spend time with friends she loved, accept work she loved, pursue hobbies she loved. Another friend set an intention of “vulnerability”. She holds tightly to her independence and self-reliance, and yet also knew instinctively that it was getting in the way of her forming deeper relationships. One other friend chose “yes” as her intention for the new year. The result? She went skiing for the first time in her 40s, and bought season tickets to sports events with a friend, even though she did not know the rules of the game. She met great people she would not have otherwise.

Toss the resolutions in the recycling. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath.

What is your intention for 2014?

If this was useful, share it with others. I work with inspired leaders to sustain high levels of performance and achieve breakthrough results to tough business challenges. Interested in exploring the benefits of engaging me for you and/or your team? Contact me today.

Thank you to my friend Tracy Quinton for introducing me to intentions.

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