People are tired of resolutions. When I ask people, they say, “I never follow through with them, so why bother? They seem demoralized- like they have given up. This year take some the pressure off by creating intentions.

Resolutions are typically negative- that is they are about not doing something anymore. Quit smoking, staying up late, or overeating. Or they could be positive and unexciting- like exercise more. Largely, resolutions have become a drag.

Intentions are long-term and hopeful. They are declarations of things that you are going to create in your life- say over the next year.

So my challenge is to create three intentions of things you are going to create in your life this coming year. Then carry those intentions with you- until you actualize them. It starts you thinking about what is important to you, what you want, and what the next step in your life is. These are essential things to be considering this during this introspective time of year.

You could make it even more fun (and less threatening) by saying to your friend,”If you could create any three things in your life this coming year- what would they be.” There is no pressure or risk of failure to be had. You could do that at a New Year’s Eve party. We want to entice your mind to dream again.

So I’ll go first. This coming year, I want to finish my book, enjoy my meditations (and take them deeper), and discover a new arena to work with people in. Plus, I have a secret one that I am not going to share. Remember, it has to be playful and fun.

What we do with our life is vitally important- but it does not have to be heavy. Life is meant to be enjoyed. When we make our goals all heavy and burdensome, it is no wonder that we will not want to do them.

What are your three intentions for the coming year?