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As the calendar flips to a new year, there’s always this buzzing energy to start fresh. While I love the idea of resolutions, they can feel a little rigid. Instead, I’m focusing on setting intentions for 2025. Intentions feel lighter, more flexible, and much kinder than strict resolutions. They’re about aligning with what matters most to you, not just checking things off a list.
Here’s how I’m approaching it and how you can, too!
Reflecting on the Past Year
Before jumping into 2025, I’m taking a moment to reflect on 2024. What worked? What didn’t? Were there any moments that felt especially fulfilling or joyful? Reflecting helps me understand what I want to carry forward and what I’d rather leave behind.
If you’re setting intentions, start by asking yourself: What brought me joy this year? What drained my energy? These questions can give you a solid foundation for moving forward.
Choosing a Word (or Two) for the Year
One of my favorite ways to set intentions is by choosing a word (or phrase) for the year. This word acts as a guiding light for everything I do. In 2025, I’m leaning toward words like balance and connection. Balance reminds me to take time for myself and not overcommit, while connection encourages me to nurture my relationships and meet new people.
Your word doesn’t have to be profound. It could be adventure, growth, or even calm. The goal is to pick something that resonates deeply with you.
Breaking Down the Big Picture
Once I have my word, I start breaking it into smaller, actionable intentions. For instance, if my word is connection, my intentions might include:
- Scheduling monthly meet-ups with friends.
- Calling family members more regularly.
- Volunteering in my community to meet new people.
This process keeps my intentions meaningful but manageable. It’s not about big, life-altering goals—it’s about small, consistent actions that feel good.
Keeping It Flexible
One reason resolutions can feel so overwhelming is their rigidity. You either succeed or fail, and that pressure can feel defeating. Intentions, on the other hand, are more fluid. If something isn’t working, you can adjust it.
For example, if an intention to exercise three times a week feels too ambitious, scale it back to twice a week. The point is to keep moving toward your goals without beating yourself up over small setbacks.
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Writing It Down
There’s something powerful about writing down your intentions. It makes them feel real. I like to jot mine in a journal or even on sticky notes that I place around the house. Seeing those reminders every day keeps me focused.
You could also create a vision board. Gather pictures, quotes, or items that represent your intentions and display them somewhere you’ll see often. It’s a fun, creative way to stay inspired.
Checking In Regularly
Intentions aren’t something you set once and forget. I try to check in with mine at least monthly. I ask myself: Am I still aligned with my word? Are my intentions working for me?
This is also a great time to celebrate small wins. Maybe you stuck to a new habit for a few weeks or reached out to an old friend. Recognizing these moments helps you stay motivated.
Giving Yourself Grace
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Some months will feel more productive than others, and sometimes you’ll veer off track. Setting intentions is about progress, not perfection.
I remind myself that it’s okay to pivot or take a break. Giving yourself grace is just as important as the intentions themselves.
Let’s Do This Together!
Setting intentions doesn’t have to be complicated. Reflect, choose a word, break it into smaller steps, and give yourself room to grow. It’s a gentle way to approach the new year while staying true to what matters most to you.
As we step into 2025, let’s focus on what feels good and let go of the rest. Whether your intentions are big, small, or somewhere in between, they’re yours to shape. Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy, and a whole lot of grace!
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.