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SALT LAKE CITY — There's nothing quite so intoxicating as the promise of a "fresh start" to those who are interested in self improvement.
This quirk of human nature could explain the flurry of goals and resolutions that steal our focus at the beginning of each year. Unfortunately, research tells us while nearly half of us set resolutions, fewer than 10 percent of those resolutions are ever achieved.
So, what's an improvement-minded person to do this time of year? Ditch the resolutions and set intentions instead.
Maybe your dream is to see the Pacific Ocean. You've heard a lot about Venice Beach, so you set that as your destination. To get there, you'll need a map, a vehicle, a budget and possibly a plane or train ticket. Your exact route will be based on your starting point, but you have one desired outcome: Venice Beach.
Of course, what you might not realize is Venice Beach is not really the best place to experience the ocean. There's a busy boardwalk, throngs of tourists, restaurants, vendors and panhandlers. At Venice Beach, you'll find weight lifters, volleyball courts, car traffic and, yes, a little bit of ocean. There's no telling whether you'd be thrilled with that outcome or disappointed. One thing's for certain: you will have achieved your goal.
Let's imagine your New Year's resolution is a destination. It's the result of a well-executed travel plan. Setting an intention, on the other hand, is like pointing yourself in a direction. It resembles a compass more than a road map. Intentions are guiding principles and are usually broader, vaguer and loftier than resolutions.
So, if your intention is to experience the Pacific Ocean, rather than Venice Beach, you could start nearly anywhere in the U.S. and set a compass to head west. This might take you through deserts, forests, mountains and all kinds of other unexpected obstacles but, if you push westward, chances are you will hit the ocean.
Related:
How to keep your New Year's fitness resolution from failing
If you're like most Americans, you've made getting more fit and losing weight your New Year's resolution to kick off 2017. Unfortunately, your resolution will most likely fail.You won't know exactly what part of the ocean, but the end of your journey could be even more beautiful, more accessible and more relaxing than if you had chosen the precise destination yourself.
Although you may set the resolution to "lose weight," you might easily do so in unhealthy or dangerous ways. However, if your intention is to "claim health," it's possible you will lose weight along the way, but you also may pick up new habits, insights, hobbies, career paths and even relationships in the meantime.
You can never predict exactly where an intention will take you. Rather, you set your sails in the direction of ideals, such as acceptance, wisdom, balance or forgiveness.
Maybe you seek wholeness, courage or peace. Ask yourself what really matters to you in 2017, let go of your need to control the outcome and set your sails in the direction of your best self.
Malissa Morrell is a board-certified art therapist and the founder of The Therapy Studio in Salt Lake City, Utah.
