This is the time of year when so many of us (myself included) take a look back at the year that has just ended. We think about the things we said we wanted to do last January and wonder where the time went. Some of the things may have been accomplished, some of the things may have been forgotten, and still other things may have been paused – for now. We often make a resolution, a goal, or set an intention for the year. Maybe we think to ourselves that this is the year I’m going to … (you can fill in the blank). I’m going to suggest that this is the year we change this up. Instead of just thinking about achieving a goal, what if we can align our actions with our intentions? Aligning your actions with your intentions means that you will do what you say you want to do. The question is how?
Let’s set ourselves up for success by creating a series of micro goals. If we make each micro-goal something that feels within our reach, it is easier to motivate ourselves into action. Each micro-goal can be a part, or a step toward a larger goal. By taking small steps, making small changes with our daily habits and routines we can purposefully turn our intentions into reality.
Understanding Intentions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary a synonym for intention is: what one intends to do or bring about; a determination to act in a certain way : resolve
It may be a good idea to examine values before determining goals or intentions. If one of your values is to live in a clean, tidy, and organized home and enjoy your free time. Then a goal may be to create a schedule which allows you to do a little home organizing maintenance daily rather than dedicating your entire weekend to cleaning.
Maybe one of your goals is to take an extended vacation somewhere you’ve never been. Your values tell you that you don’t want to max out your credit card. To achieve your goal, your intention may be to create a savings plan to set aside money for this fabulous vacation. Your first action can be to track your spending.
We can think, dream, and intend to do things for hours and hours. If our values align with our intentions, it’s easier to create those action steps.
Bridging the Gap: Aligning Your Actions with Your Intentions
Everyone feels the uncomfortable disconnect between intentions and actions. There is no escaping that feeling. It’s even more uncomfortable when the intentions are so far out of reach.
How can we make it easier for ourselves to follow through?
Here are a few practical strategies to try:
Make sure the goals are SMART. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound.
Micro-goals can help with this also. When you break the goals or intentions down into a miniature size, they become realistic and easier to achieve.
Create a schedule for yourself.
Assign a day and time to each step you will take toward your goal.
Overcoming Common Obstacles
It’s important to identify the things that will get in your way. Naming your roadblocks will help you create solutions to avoid them.
Are you someone who procrastinates until the last second before doing something? If this is the case, give yourself firm deadlines with consequences.
In his book, Indistractable, Nir Eyal talks about making a pact with yourself to get things done and the reason creating meaningful consequences can help you stay on track. This book is full of great strategies and tips to overcome distractions and stay focused on your intentions.
Maybe you find yourself avoiding a task because you don’t know where or how to start. This is a common obstacle and there are several very good ways to overcome it.
The first is to make the steps clear and specific (thinking back to SMART goals). If this is difficult, hire someone to help you think through those steps. A professional organizer can help you with this.
The other strategy is to be gentle with yourself. You’re challenging yourself to do something new and out of your comfort zone. You may not do it correctly or easily the first time. Give yourself credit and kudos for doing it anyway.
Celebrating Progress and Adjusting as Needed
If, as I said above, you’ve followed your plan and taken the first step it’s time to celebrate! When your actions are bringing you closer to achieving your intentions it’s a reason to give yourself a reward.
It can be something simple like reading a magazine, taking a bath, or going for a walk.
Remember success builds upon success. Each step forward builds confidence and keeps the momentum going which in turn is motivating.
Conversely, if the steps you’re taking aren’t working out the way you thought they would. Stop and re-evaluate your intention or goal.
Sometimes what we think we want to achieve does not align with our values the way we thought it would.
It’s ok to adjust your intentions and goals mid-stream. In fact, it’s better to do that than to continue following a plan that doesn’t align with your values.
Conclusion
What are your intentions for 2025? Do you have things you want to accomplish in multiple areas of your life? If so, think about setting a series of intentions or SMART goals.
Get out your calendar and start by scheduling some action steps.
If you’d like help aligning your actions with your intentions register for a class I am teaching with Jonda Beattie: Set Your Intentions for the Year on Friday, January 10.
You can also schedule a private 30-minute free phone consultation with me to talk about your options by emailing me: dnqsolutions@gmail.com.
I look forward to hearing from you and helping you to achieve your intentions in 2025.
Diane N. Quintana is the owner of DNQ Solutions, LLC. She is an ADHD Organizing Specialist, a Hoarding Specialist, and a Chronic Disorganization Specialist. Diane is also an ICD Master Trainer, Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization, Certified Professional Organizer and co-owner of Release Repurpose Reorganize LLC based in Atlanta, Georgia. She specializes in residential and home-office organizing.
I like the way you approach aligning values, intentions, and actions. I think we too often overlook connecting our values to our intentions; if we can see ourselves in terms what we most believe in, the intentions will be more intricately connected, and the actions will feel more natural and meaningful. I think I sometimes falter in that I don’t look more closely at the values underlying what I want to do, and you’ve created a very motivating way to move forward.
These are great strategies, and I love how we’ve all got this on the brain this week!
Thank you, Julie!
Great post, Diane. Happy New Year!
I went through my goals from last year and realized that some goals were not the top priority for that year. Instead of beating myself up, I decided that other things became more important during the year. And that is OK. Thanks for sharing.
Yes. I think it’s good to not beat yourself up when you realize what you thought would be your goal isn’t and then to switch gears. Thank you for your comment, Sabrina!
Establishing clear intentions is very helpful in any effort to make progress. I often say, “Vague goals are hard to achieve,” because vague goals are hard to plan for, track, measure, etc.
I’m sort of like Linda… sort of opening my mind to a more easeful year. I’m letting go a bit of things I have always done, and am considering what the next phase of my life might look like. Probably connected to my age and stage, but I can see trying some things. I’m still chewing on it all, especially as I watch the snow fall this morning.
That sounds like such a good idea, Seana!
I like your suggestion about giving yourself consequences. I’m usually at making intentions and then following through. But sometimes I don’t. I then ask myself why I’m not following through. If it’s really important setting a consequence for not meeting a deadline would be motivating to me.
I’m with you, Janet. I am much better at following through when I know there is either a negative consequence or that there is a reward waiting for me
I love this time of year. We get to reset, start fresh, and set ourselves up for a great year.
It’s not always obvious what you want the year to look like. The strategies you shared are helpful. I like how you start by thinking about your intentions and aligning those with your values. There have been years where I’ve over-complicated my plan. I’m still working on how I want 2025 to be, but I’m going to approach it in a more easeful way. At the moment, I’m in the middle of an intense deadline, so that is my priority. Once I meet it, I will turn my attention to crafting the year.
Good luck with your current project, Linda! I know it will be fabulous and then you can turn your attention toward crafting your year.