As a new year unveils itself, an opportunity to us is presented – to reframe our intentions for the year ahead or, we can choose to remain as we are. Oftentimes intention setting at the start of a new period can become something we set and forget – not always purposefully, but because the beauty or chaos of life stops us in our tracks.
Rather, intention setting should be an ongoing practice of daily reminders about the potential of this year or moment. Like any habit, it requires gentle prompts and periodic recollection.
In yoga, and sometimes pilates, my practitioners will often guide me to set an intention for the practice. This is something I have aimed to take into my daily life – whether it be an intention, a reminder or an affirmation that guides me through complex times, or general day to day. To support you in doing the same, we've detailed 10 prompts for introspection, to discover your intention for a new beginning.
- If you could describe your past year in a single word, what would you name it?
- Congratulate yourself – what were your biggest achievements of this year
- In complex times, what did you feel were the most challenging events and why?
- For each challenge, can you list a lesson learnt from this experience?
- What is one thing you need to leave behind this year to move forward?
- Who were the most integral people in your life this past year (hold onto them!)
- What is the best piece of advice you received this past year?
- What are three short term goals you would like to achieve this year?
- What are the steps you need to put in place this year to achieve your long term goals?
- In light of the above, what is an overarching resolution to set you up for success in this new beginning?
If you've read the above, and you're ready to dive deep – get cozy, pour yourself a hot cup of tea. While you're here, you can also discover our range of journals to support your ongoing intention setting throughout the year here.
