5 Tips for Navigating 2022 with Intention

January 6, 2022

Right now, your inbox and social media feeds are likely flooded with New Year’s resolutions, self-help tools, diets, retail products, and more. 

You may feel pressure to “join the club,” craft your list, and broadcast your goals. In short - the hype is real.

I call this time period the “New Year’s Hustle.” While it may be fun and tempting, there are several drawbacks.

The first challenge is the reality of outside influences. Instead of turning inward to ask ourselves what we are needing, our culture invites us to outsource our decision making to others. We chase after shiny objects and end up with a list of “should’s” that aren’t always authentic to who we are.

The second challenge is that when we declare our resolutions right off the bat, we skip a really important process - listening. This means slowing down to discover what you are actually needing (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually), and waiting for the answers to arrive. When you listen to your intuition, you become more inspired to choose goals that you care about.

A third (and final) challenge with the hustle is the word “resolution” in itself. As a recovering perfectionist who used to set around 20 (unsuccessful) resolutions every year, I am not a fan. Here is why...

A resolution can be described as an attempt to change something you want to “fix” about yourself or your life. Typically, resolutions offer little flexibility, do not celebrate what is working, and can lead to negative emotions. We also know that around 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail (Source: Forbes).

By contrast, an intention is something you want to align or bring into your life. It could be something you want more of, or even just a word you want to use as your North Star. Examples could be wonder, simplify, grace, or rest.

By setting an intention, you can start exploring possibilities without rigid rules or practices. Since you haven’t put red tape around your goals, you’re less likely to feel anxiety, resistance, or disappointment, and more likely to feel enthusiasm, creativity, and motivation.

Here’s an example of a resolution vs intention:

Resolution: I’m going to get in better shape by running three days a week and completing a half marathon in July.

Intention: I’m inviting movement into my life by running or walking when I’m feeling stressed or want to get outside.

Whether you choose to go with goals, resolutions, or intentions (or none of the above), here are five tips for navigating 2022:

1 - Use January as a time to rest and listen

2021 was a challenging year and most people aren’t starting 2022 with a burst of energy. Don’t forget to slow down, rest, journal, brainstorm, and listen to your intuition. Be honest with yourself about what you need.

Consider the following journal prompts:
-What worked well for you in 2021 that you can continue doing?
-Make a list of your happiest moments in 2021. Why did they bring you joy, and what do they say about your needs in 2022?
-What do you need to let go of in 2022 in order to free up more room for what serves you? 
-Imagine waking up on January 1, 2023. You are feeling lighter, happier, and proud of what you’ve accomplished. What is different? What do you know you’ve done to create this change?

2 - Practice gratitude daily

This one is a must in my book. Research shows that the more you practice gratitude, the more you actually experience joy. It’s also so easy to do. Find a regular gratitude practice that works for you and stick to it. Consider a gratitude journal, gratitude jar, or dinnertime tradition (you can learn more about these concepts here).

3 - Get rid of clutter

Carve out time at the beginning of the year to get rid of clutter. This includes physical possessions, relationships, commitments, or limiting beliefs that don't serve you anymore. Consider a house, phone, email, and office clean-out.

Free up energy and space for what matters to you, in order to make room for growth. I recommend doing this process before you put pen to paper with any goals.

4 - Become rooted in your core values

Identify your core values. Discover which of your values are in verses out of alignment, and which ones you need to honor in 2022. Evaluate your time, priorities, and spending habits accordingly.

Your core values are key to living an authentic and happy life. [Note: If the concept of core values is new to you, consider booking a Core Values Deep Dive Coaching Session with me to guide the process!]

5 - Invest in your mental health

Your mental health should be a consistent, annual investment, period. The smartest and happiest people in the world make their mental health a priority and encourage others to do the same.

If you carry any resistance toward this topic, it’s time for you to say goodbye to those false beliefs. Find a certified coach and/or counselor that you love. Invest in experiences like retreats, workshops, and conferences. Invite your friends and put it in your budget! Be honest about your spending and time habits that get in the way.

Wishing you an authentic, healthy, and happy new year. With all of your 2022 planning, please don’t forget the most important thing: you are enough, just as you are.