As I said yesterday, a resolution on its own is not robust enough to effect change. The definition of a resolution – a firm decision — sounds powerful, but its rigidity makes it brittle: “do or do not.” Without new systems and habits (i.e. a plan), resolutions stand little chance.
An intention, on the other hand, is flexible enough to not break when the going gets tough. Intentions require a plan, the putting in place of systems, and the cultivation of new habits. Intentions honour incremental success rather than creating a false dichotomy between success and failure.
Goals are more useful than resolutions, although in extremis even they smack of all-or-nothing, pass/fail, win/lose. Goals are the “what”, and every “what” worth its salt needs a “why” – a value.
As intentions are to resolutions, so are values to goals. As my coach says, “an intention is more powerful than a resolution; and a value is more powerful than a goal.”
Your desire to create a resolution tells you something about what you want to be different. Your intentions and values are what will actually make change happen. That is where coaches come in.
Please consider sharing this post with someone if you found it helpful.
You can sign up to receive these posts here.