January Thoughts
Resolutions, Goals, Intentions, and Word of the Year
As I said previously in a note, happy New Year! I really do hope you have a wonderful year ahead.
Going into this new year, I’ve been thinking about how some people make resolutions, form goals, create intentions, or think of a one word theme for the year. There isn’t one right way to do this. It’s what works the best for you.
New Year’s resolutions don’t tend to work in the long-term. About 80% of people have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions by February. In addition to them not working, they can make you feel bad about yourself, as if you’ve failed.
Goals, especially SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable or Attainable, Relevant or Realistic, and Time-bound) goals, seem to work well for people who like structure and being able to measure their progress. I made a couple of mini-goals for this year, such as to get my book into 20 bookstores. I will tell someone or write it down and then forget about it, so I don’t fixate too much on it as an outcome and stop enjoying the process.
Intentions are internal and present-focused, like I intend to move more and rest more this year. You have your intention in the back of your mind and when a situation presents itself, to move or to rest, you may find yourself choosing that path. It’s less measurable than a goal, but it can feel better if goals are too stressful.
Lastly, there is the word or phrase of the year. I thought these were too out there for me, but I’ve been gravitating toward this idea. There’s less pressure than a resolution or goal, and a bit more direction than an intention. People may choose words such as growth, calm, health, joy, presence, or community. Gretchen Rubin talks about this trend on her podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Here is more information on a one word theme, if you’re interested. https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/your-one-word-theme-2026/
My one word this year is curiosity or explore. As I venture into a new year of writing and marketing I want to be curious and not afraid of new experiences.
Have you ever tried setting an intention or having a one word theme for the year? If yes, what is yours for 2026? Please share below; I’m so curious. ;+)
Take care,
Jen