Here we are, at the end of another year. For me, 2023 was a whirlwind of change. But within that change I have been able to reflect on my life and my business and how I want to move forward now that my sabbatical is coming to an end. It’s also the time of making new year resolutions and how we all would like to move forward in the coming year. There can be something exciting in seeing the date of 1/1 and having another 365 days ahead to make a difference.
I’ve never been a resolution person. Too much pressure. If you don’t accomplish what you resolved to do, you have failed. The things we resolve to do can become a burden and end up making you unhappy. If you get to October and you’re not where you thought you’d be, you’re failing because most yearly resolutions cannot be accomplished in three months’ time. It’s an unfair position to put yourself in. We have no idea what the future holds to help or hinder us.
Rather than resolutions, I prefer intentions. Intention creates purpose. It answers the why. It keeps your mind from becoming too numb, which is not an easy task in a world where everyone is scrolling and binging.
Intentions give you a reason. Intent can create a plan of action, but without the “win or lose” feeling of a resolution. Having intentions can also help you more clearly decide what is worth pursuing and what you might need to let go.
Being a small business owner and my only employee, my personal and business intentions can overlap. I would like to leave a positive impact on the people I interact with, personally and professionally. When I focus on what my intentions are, it’s easier to plan a course of action. If something doesn’t work, I know it’s ok and I figure out how to try again, or if I need to create a new course of action. Always come back to your purpose to guide you.
I’m not a life-coach. I would never claim to know what is best for you. I will never say that ‘this is the best way’ about anything other than it’s best for me. We are all different, and I can only share my personal thoughts and how my choices have affected me alone. I will say this though, something to contemplate as we move into the next year: What is a life if there is no purpose to it?