Transform Resolutions Into Real, Positive Change
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." – C.S. Lewis
Welcome to 2023 everyone! At Recovery Resources, we believe 2023 is going to be our best year yet, and we’re committed to making it a year filled with TONS of positive growth for all the people we serve, including YOU.
What does it take to make positive growth happen? This is the question we’re exploring this week on the RR blog. Let’s dive in!
We’ve all heard “it’s a new year, it's a new you” before … yet how do you actually follow through with the resolutions and other commitments you set for yourself on January 1st (or any other day of the year)? At the mid-month mark, how many of us are already struggling to stay motivated or aligned with our New Year’s resolutions? Probably LOTS of us. The thing is, resolutions by themselves are set up to fail…they just don’t give us the foundation and momentum we need to make lifestyle changes that really stick.
So, how do we actually create the lasting change we need to achieve our goals and dreams? Keep reading to learn an effective, simple formula you can use every day to make positive change happen in 2023 and beyond!
Let’s start with a breakdown of Resolutions vs Intentions…what’s the difference?
Your resolution is something you want to do - it is rooted in a desire to make a change. Your intention is something you want to be, achieve or embody, and it’s rooted in knowing the “why” behind your desires.
Here’s an example of the difference between a resolution and an intention:
Resolution: “I want to run more in 2023”
Intention: “I am going to run more in 2023 because it’s a simple, affordable way for me to get more exercise (goal) and prioritize my health (core intention).”
As you can see, the core intention here is a totally different desire than just running. The core intention in this example is to be someone who prioritizes their health. The reasons for this (positive growth outcomes) might be things like reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, or having more energy to play with one’s kids. More than likely, the intention to be a healthier person carries a totally different meaning and set of actions than being someone who is a runner. In this example, running is just one of many activities that could support the core intention.
Here’s another example:
Resolution: “I want to run more in 2023.”
Intention: “I am going to run more in 2023 so I can develop the fitness and endurance I need (goal) to complete that marathon my friend and I have always dreamed about running together (core intention).”
See the difference here? In this example, running is the primary activity that supports the core intention. In both examples, the resolution is the same, but the intentions are totally different. Since the intentions are different, the goals and the plans laid to support them will also be different.
Here’s how:
Running 3 - 5 miles after work several times a week is probably totally sufficient to accomplish the goal of getting more exercise and to fulfill the intention of becoming a healthier person. However, that plan won’t work for someone whose goal is to be fit enough to fulfill the intention of running a marathon with their friend.
Takeaway:
Resolutions can be helpful catalysts for positive change and growth, but they cannot stand alone. They need the foundation of a core intention, as well as the framework of smart, realistic goals and well-laid plans. It can be helpful to think of putting these 4 key change-making elements together into a formula for positive growth:
Resolutions + Intentions + Goals + Plans = Positive Growth
For the example above, with the core intention of becoming someone who prioritizes their health, here’s what that Positive Growth formula might look like:
Resolution: I want to run more in 2023
Intention: I am going to run more in 2023 because it’s a simple, affordable way for me to get more exercise (goal) and prioritize my health (core intention).
Goal: I will exercise by running three times a week after work for 45 minutes to 1 hour per run.
Plan: I will bring my running kit to work on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, so that I can meet my co-worker (accountability buddy!) in the parking lot at 5:30pm to run on the bike path together.
Potential positive growth outcomes: Overall healthier body systems and increased energy levels
It’s as simple as that! You can complete this formula for any positive changes you want to make in your life, and then refer back to it any time you’re struggling to stick with your commitment.
Activity: What’s your formula for positive growth in 2023?
My Resolution (desire):
My Intention (the “why”):
My Goal (the “what”):
My Plan (the “how”):
Desired Positive Growth Outcomes:
*Feel free to copy this activity into your favorite journal or planner!
Food for thought:
The great thing about focusing on intentions and your desired positive growth outcomes is that you get the opportunity to really connect with your “why?” Once you’ve connected with your “why”, its WAY easier to make other changes that also support it from different angles. For example, if your intention is to become a healthier person, you might start with running a few times a week. But after some success with that, you might also try cutting back on sugar and alcohol consumption. You’ll be more motivated to make other changes happen because they’re part of your bigger picture intention to be healthy and full of energy!
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out this great article from the folks at Bullet Journal, or our previous blog post about the Positive Change Toolkit.
