Setting intentions vs. New Year’s resolutions

Welcome to The Your Life Now show with Coach Rea, where we explore ways to live with purpose and intention. Today, we’re diving into an important conversation: Setting Intentions vs. New Year’s Resolutions.

As the new year begins, many of us feel the pressure to set resolutions—bold, often lofty goals like “lose 20 pounds,” “save more money,” or “finally get organized.” While resolutions can be motivating, they often focus on fixing something we think is wrong with us. And when we don’t achieve them, we feel like we’ve failed.

But what if we shifted our mindset? Instead of resolutions, let’s talk about intentions.

Intentions aren’t rigid goals. They’re more like guiding principles—grounded in the present moment and aligned with our values. For example, instead of “lose 20 pounds,” an intention might be, “I’ll nurture my body with care and respect.” Instead of “save more money,” try, “I’ll approach my finances with mindfulness and gratitude.”

The difference? Resolutions focus on external outcomes, while intentions focus on internal growth. Resolutions can feel like a pass-or-fail test, but intentions allow space for self-compassion and progress over perfection.

As we step into this new year, ask yourself: What kind of person do I want to become? What energy do I want to bring into my life?

Setting intentions gives us the freedom to evolve and adjust while staying true to ourselves.