We’re just about to turn the corner on 2017 and enter into 2018!! I’m excited for what’s to come and I hope you are too. I have a question for you. Are you stepping into 2018 from a place of motivation or inspiration? Are you making resolutions or setting intentions. Have you considered the difference?

For years, like most people, I’d set resolutions for the new year and all of them, without fail, went out the window by ground hog day. Does this sound familiar? It doesn’t have to be this way. We have a choice. Resolutions or intentions? Motivation or inspiration?

Resolutions require motivation. Think about it! You’re not doing that thing now, are you really going to do it next week and the week after and the weeks and months after that? Wouldn’t you be doing it already if it was that important?

Resolutions are conditional. I’ll feel better or be happier when…I have the new car, I lose 20 pounds, I get the promotion…and on and on. You’ll feel good momentarily when you get it, but we both know it doesn’t last and we’re onto the next thing we think will make us feel better or happier.

Resolutions are outside in. When we make resolutions we’re looking for something outside ourselves to make us happy, complete us, bring us more joy in life. Yet, life happens from the inside out.

Resolutions are a one-time event and usually self-defeating. We set resolutions once, at the first of the year and, generally, we take them on as a way to punish ourselves for not being ‘good’ or ‘good enough’. It’s the no pain, no gain approach to life and, I don’t know about you, but I’m done beating up on myself.

Intentions come from the deep, wise, knowing within ourselves. I’ll bet you’ve said to yourself or others, “I know deep down…”. Deep down is the place of intention, of doing those things that we’re called to do, that light us up, that move us.

Intentions are how we want to feel as we move through our day, week, our year, and how we want to show up in the world. How do you want to feel? Free or burdened? Heaviness or light? Joyful or unhappy? It’s my intention to be happy and feel good ALL THE TIME! Does it happen all the time? Nope, but it is always my intention.

Intentions serve to shape our lives from the inside out. Intentions are born out of love, out of the essence of who we are, and guide us onward through our feelings, our internal GPS. Following those feelings opens the door to inspired action and greater possibility.

Unlike resolutions, intentions require quiet reflection, a turning inward and listening. You can begin by asking one simple question. “How do I want to feel?”. And, listen. Without judgement, without analyzing, listen to that still small voice. It is the most powerful voice you have and it knows the way.

Intentions birth inspiration and we nurture inspiration with empowering questions. Here are a few I love from Rev. Michael Beckwith’s work on life visioning.

• What gifts am I to give to the world?
• What is trying to emerge through my life?
• What is the Universe trying to express through me?

Or you may want to keep it simple at first by asking, “What is my next step?” And, listen, with your heart wide open. If nothing comes, fear not…everything you need to know is within you and the answer will reveal itself in time.

So, beloved, the question remains. Motivation or inspiration? What will it be for 2018, resolutions or intentions? Will you continue to push your way through life or will you, as the Sufi poet Rumi suggests, “Allow yourself to be silently drawn by the pull of what you really love”?

From my heart to yours, I wish you a happy, healthy, 2018 guided by intentions that inspire you to live your best year yet!

Join me for Dare to Dream Vision Board workshops and create a vision for your 2018 Intentions!

Photo by Wil Stewart on Unsplash