Written by: Mel Greenberg, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
It’s here! The new year. That time when we start to think about what we want to achieve over the next twelve months. But what if, instead of just setting goals, resolutions, we also set our intention for how we want to show up in the world? What if we took time to reflect on who we want to be in the coming year? How will we show up in our relationships, our work, our communities? What if as we set our intentions for the year, we open our hearts to the possibility of transformative change? We plant the seed for who we want to become, and trust that the universe will help us evolve into that person. Setting an intention is a powerful way to focus our energies and create the life we want to live.
What do you want from 2023?
Make 2023 the year of setting intentions.
It’s important to remember that setting intentions is not the same as making resolutions. Resolutions are often about trying to change something about yourself that you think needs improvement. Maybe your friends or partner have interests you want to be a part of. But down deep – it’s just not you. So, you say “I’m going to…” but you don’t believe it, you don’t really want it. And that’s why your resolutions don’t work – you set yourself up to fail! Intention setting is about deciding what you want to achieve and putting your focus and energy into making it happen. When you set an intention, you set the stage for what you want to manifest in your life.
What are your intentions for the year?
Get in shape
Quit smoking
Save money
Find a new job
Move to a new city
Get out of debt
Start my own business
Go back to school
Travel more
Spend more time with my family and friends
Give back to my community
Learn something new
Whatever it may be say it out loud, write it down, and then ask yourself these three questions:
Why is this important?
Why do I want to change or accomplish this?
Why now?
1. Why is it important?
We welcome the new year as a time for new beginnings, for change, for growth. We consider what we want to achieve in the coming months and set our sights on making those things happen. It's been said that the two most important days in a person's life are the day we are born and the day we figure out why we are alive.
Getting clear on what you want to achieve and putting a plan in place to make it happen is the first step. In detail, ask yourself why you want the change you’re considering. And, most importantly, are you willing to do the work to make it happen. It may not come fast or easily, but if you commit to the plan and the work it will come.
2. Why do I want this?
Consider what you’re asking of yourself? Why this change or goal? If you struggle to answer the question, looking at the bigger picture can be helpful. Is where you are now where you want to be in 365 days? If the answer is no, there’s your start! Is the step you’re considering one that will get you where you want to be next year? Are you willing to do the work to get there?
Now step back and think about the small steps you can take. A place to begin. Maybe your physical health is a part of your life you’d like to see improve. Don’t picture the finish line of the marathon when you’ve never run a day in your life. Start walking 20 minutes a day, then 30, then 40… you get it. One step at a time. Remember to be gentle with yourself, and to celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
3. Why now?
This is a big one! Ask yourself, why do I want this now? Why is this year different? The answer to these two questions will help you clarify what your goals and priorities are and create a plan, take action. Remember, manifestation is not just about thinking positive thoughts. It's about taking positive action towards your goals. If you want to manifest your dream life, you need to put in the work. But, if you take action with clarity and focus, you can achieve anything you desire.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about it for many years, and you’ve just had enough. You’re ready to take the steps to achieve the goal you’ve only dreamt of. Once you can clearly identify your why now, you can begin your how to. Sometimes the end of our ropes is exactly what we need to swing into action – to become exactly who we are meant to be in this life.
Answering these three questions will help you define your goals and no matter what they are, setting intentions for the year ahead will help you achieve them. Now you can focus your attention and energy on making your dreams a reality in 2023!
“Whether we want them or not, The New Year will bring new challenges. Whether we seize them or not, The New Year will bring new opportunities.” ‒ Michael Josephson
Mel Greenberg, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mel Greenberg is a best-selling author, speaker, cancer survivor, prominent Peak Stage Living advocate. She is the cohost of Uncorked Live! The podcast is a spirited conversation about making the most of midlife and beyond. A proud alumna of the University of Maryland, Mel worked as a copywriter and producer in radio and television. Mel’s debut novel, Running with Our Eyes Closed, explores marriage, life and love after the nest empties. And she’ll be the first to tell you that moving forward ‒ from then to now has been a wildly unexpected and beautiful journey. It is that journey she shares with gratitude. Mel reminds us we are not alone. When we remain open to change, the passage of life we are in right now offers limitless potential.
