The Anti-Resolution Guide
Be honest… how many resolutions have you already broken this year? 😅
It’s okay, you’re not alone. Resolutions are kind of like those trendy diets—they sound great but rarely work long-term. That’s why it’s time to ditch them for good and try something that actually feels good: setting intentions.
Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can kick off 2025 with purpose and clarity (and without the guilt).
Why Resolutions Suck
Resolutions are like that rigid, bossy friend who says, “You must do this every single day or else you’re a failure.” They feel so all-or-nothing, and honestly, who has time for that kind of pressure?
Intentions, on the other hand, are your chill, supportive BFF. They’re flexible, rooted in your values, and actually make space for the ebb and flow of life. Instead of saying, “I need to go to the gym every day,” you might set the intention, “I want to move my body in ways that feel good.” See the difference?
The Magic of the Eight Areas of Life
Here’s where things get juicy. Setting intentions works best when you balance them across all areas of life. Enter: the Eight Areas of Life.
These categories include:
Recreational (fun and rest, because YES, it’s important 🎉)
Vocational (career goals)
Mental (learning and growth)
Physical (health and movement)
Relational (your connections with others)
Social (community and friendships)
Financial (money, honey!)
Spiritual (your inner world and purpose)
Instead of hyper-focusing on just one thing (like work or fitness), you’ll start looking at your life holistically. Maybe you crushed it at work in 2024, but fun and rest took a back seat. Time to bring balance back and set intentions for a little more play.
Why This Works
Intentions tap into your why—the deeper reason behind your goals. Without a clear why, goals can feel like chores.
For example, a friend of mine wanted to organize her house, but when we dug deeper, it wasn’t about the clutter—it was about feeling judged when people visited. Once she let go of that fear of judgment and embraced her worthiness, she naturally found the motivation to tidy up (and no longer needed a spotless house to prove her value).
Intentions focus on aligning your actions with your values, which makes them stick—and makes the process feel so much better.
What It Feels Like to Set Intentions
At first, it might feel a little… weird? You’re not following the usual “New Year, New Me” crowd, and that’s okay! Expect to feel empowered and grounded, but also give yourself grace.
When you focus on intentions, you’ll notice:
✨ Less guilt and shame around your goals.
✨ More flexibility to adapt as life happens.
✨ A sense of alignment and balance across all areas of life.
Oh, and let’s talk about resistance. It’s totally normal to feel a little pushback when trying something new. Lean into it—it’s often where the biggest growth happens.
The Benefits of Setting Intentions
When you set intentions instead of rigid resolutions, you’ll:
Feel more connected to your goals and values.
Reduce stress and guilt from "falling off track."
Create a sense of balance across all areas of your life.
Embrace the natural ups and downs without judgment.
Experience personal growth that actually feels good!
Ready to Make 2025 Your Year?
Here’s the fun part: it’s time to get started! Take a moment to reflect on what energized you in 2024 (and what drained you). Think about what you really want this year… not what you think you “should” want.
If you need help, grab my free workbook Your Year, Your Intentions. It’s packed with prompts to guide you through the eight areas of life and help you uncover your why. You’ve got this!
Let’s make 2025 the year we embrace our voices, set boundaries, and live with purpose. 💛
