In-House Counsel

Why I Am Setting Intentions Instead Of Resolutions In The New Year

Create intentions to surround yourself with a positive, encouraging, and empathetic approach.

By  
on

Flipping of wooden cube block for change 2021 to 2022 year , Preparation for merry Christmas and happy new year concept.Last week over dinner, my husband asked me, “What are your goals for 2022?” It immediately caught me off guard. This was the first year where I didn’t have a laundry list of goals written down in the Notes app on my iPhone that I could reference or read back.

“I actually want to focus this year on continuing to better myself physically, emotionally, and mentally. 2021 really gutted me.”

In years past, I would create multiple lofty goals, ones that aimed sky-high professionally and personally, and often included metrics. I avidly read about others’ goals and added those to my mental list as inspiration. I typically used my birthday (which falls on December 22) as my barometer. Yet, what stood out the most is that I always charted my next set of goals based on things I needed to change or things I didn’t achieve in that existing year but wanted to.

Why didn’t I set measurable goals or resolutions for 2022?

2021 brought me the highest highs and the lowest lows. It was my most profitable and successful year in business since I left practicing law in 2015, yet it was full of mental, physical, and emotional struggles — battling COVID for five weeks, being unable to regain my physical strength and motivation, watching my beloved 16 1/2-year-old shih tzu deteriorate and then losing him, enduring anticipatory grief and then full-blown pet loss grief, and grappling with a horrible lower-back injury from a fall in our garage that set me back even more.

Through all of this, I learned that I have a unique ability to compartmentalize the tough situations, struggles, or downturns, but I also require setting appropriate boundaries to protect myself like a cocoon so I can endure and survive through the tough times.

I served my clients in the fullest capacity, I continued to speak to global audiences, I published weekly articles and contributed to media outlets, and crushed my business metrics from the years prior. Yet, I stopped a pattern of overworking (especially weekends). I said no to taking on those “extra” projects that would overflow my already full plate. I took needed breaks when my body told me it was time to rest and recharge. I went for walks, I prioritized chiropractic care when my body gave out, I spent more time with my family, and I siphoned off my calendar on the days I truly needed it. I concentrated my efforts and prioritized — it meant less time on social media (less engagement and posts, but just enough to be relevant), saying “no” to many coffee chats over Zoom, and being mindful of my mental health.

Sponsored

And here’s the kicker: 2021 marked the first year where I ended my client project calendar the second week of December so I could regain my energy and truly engage in a mental reset for 2022.

I gave myself grace and compassion but became more honest with my needs, and I communicated those guilt-free and openly to others. I let others know I was taking a holiday break and wouldn’t be available. I spoke and wrote about the trauma of pet loss and the overwhelming grief that ensued. I spoke and wrote about when I battled COVID-19 and had to postpone projects. I listened and obeyed the voice inside that said I don’t have to hustle 100 hours a week, I don’t have to serve my clients 24/7, and I don’t have to experience burnout to be successful.

The deep personal struggles of 2021 forced me to take a deeper look at myself and focus on my own mental, emotional, and physical needs. I resolved not to change anything in my life for 2022 and instead create intentions for how I want to exist every day of the calendar year: happy, fulfilled, rested, and energized. That means more time cooking a healthy meal in the kitchen rather than plugging in an extra work hour, creating a morning routine that sets my pace for the day and keeps me mentally sane, listening to podcasts on a daily walk that increase my own esteem, and ensuring I get quality sleep at night. It also means taking on the projects and work that allows me to serve my clients in the best capacity while remembering and accepting that I am just one person. It means letting go of things that do not serve me and always taking inventory of my needs.

These intentions are created to surround myself with a positive, encouraging, and empathetic approach — and most importantly, to be better today than I was yesterday, for myself, and those I encounter.

Want to set yearly intentions instead of resolutions? Select a word to carry and inspire you through the new year, set aside activities that manifest your internal and external energy, and channel a mindset that enables you to focus on improving yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally as you see fit.

Sponsored

Wendi Weiner is an attorney, career expert, and founder of The Writing Guru, an award-winning executive resume writing services company. Wendi creates powerful career and personal brands for attorneys, executives, and C-suite/Board leaders for their job search and digital footprint. She also writes for major publications about alternative careers for lawyers, personal branding, LinkedIn storytelling, career strategy, and the job search process. You can reach her by email at wendi@writingguru.net, connect with her on LinkedIn, and follow her on Twitter @thewritingguru.

Topics

, ,