5 secrets for setting new year’s intentions that work

“Whatever you put attention on will start manifesting in your life. Intention, attention, manifestation; that is how the Universe works.” — Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

The allure of a fresh start beckons with each New Year, and with it, the well-worn tradition of resolutions. But how often do they actually come to fruition? Often, they fall victim to the same pitfalls: vagueness, ambition without action, and a lack of connection to our deepest desires. Instead, let's shift our focus from resolutions to intentions – guiding principles that infuse our lives with meaning and purpose. 

Here are 5 secrets to setting New Year's intentions that not only work, but transform:

1. Plant the Seeds of Desire: Forget chasing fleeting trends or societal expectations. Instead, delve deep into your soul. Ask yourself: what truly makes your heart sing? What experiences bring you joy and fulfillment? Perhaps it's nurturing your creativity, fostering deeper connections, or mastering a new skill. Identify these core desires, not as goals to achieve, but as seeds to nurture throughout the year.

2. Craft Your Mantra, Not Your Master Plan: Ditch the rigid "to-do" lists and embrace the fluidity of intention. Instead of dictating specific actions, craft a mantra that encapsulates your desired state of being. It could be "I cultivate inner peace," "I radiate creativity," or "I connect authentically." This mantra becomes your guiding compass, reminding you of your intention in every moment.

3. Make it Measurable, But Not Mundane: While specificity is important, it shouldn't suffocate your intention. Instead of focusing on numbers or rigid schedules, create measurable markers that align with your core desire. For example, if your intention is to be more mindful, you might decide to meditate for five minutes daily or practice gratitude journaling three times a week. These small, achievable actions keep your intention alive and build momentum.

4. Celebrate the Sprouting, Not Just the Bloom: Growth isn't linear, and progress often comes in fits and starts. Don't wait for the "perfect" moment or the grand accomplishment to celebrate. Recognize and celebrate the small wins – the moment of inspiration, the completed task, the act of courage. This constant nourishment fuels your intention and keeps you moving forward.

5. Embrace the Garden, Not the Goalpost: Life is a dynamic landscape, and intentions are the seeds we plant within it. Don't be afraid to adjust, nurture, and even let go of an intention as needed. As you navigate your year, your desires and priorities might evolve. Embrace this fluidity and allow your intentions to blossom organically, remembering that the true reward lies not in reaching a fixed endpoint, but in the joy of tending your inner garden.

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Setting New Year's intentions is more than just a ritual; it's a conscious decision to shape your life with meaning and purpose. By focusing on desires, crafting guiding mantras, celebrating small steps, and embracing the journey, you can transform your intentions from fleeting wishes into vibrant realities. Let this year be not about resolutions, but about cultivating a life that blooms with your authentic self.

Happy New Year! May you be blessed with success, peace, love, happiness, and beautiful intentions that elevate your life and others’.

FUN FACT

The confetti in Times Square has thousands of people's wishes written on them. In 2015 "wishfetti" became a part of the tradition. People write their wishes for the new year and submit them to the Wish Wall in Times Square (or online) and those wishes are turned into the confetti that falls over the crowd at midnight.