How many times have you set intentions for the year and by February, you’ve completely derailed? Or maybe as priorities change throughout the year, those goals no longer align with what you want to focus your energy on. Does that mean you’ve failed 2019? No!
In this post, I’m going to share how I set myself for success by framing my intentions for the year a little unconventionally.
But it’s August!
I get it. Most people come up with New Years Resolutions in January and maybe reflect on the year in December before doing it all over again on the 1st of the year. But a year is a long time! If we don’t check in on our intentions for the year until it’s almost over, what chance do we have at accomplishing what we set out to do in 2019? This is why I like to check in throughout the year. It’s also an opportunity to evaluate whether that list of resolutions are still important to me. I’m going to share part of my list, where I was coming from, and how I’m doing so far. Hopefully this will help guide you through evaluating your own 2019 resolutions!
This year, I set broad, general themes rather than SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely) goals. I had just moved up to Michigan from Kansas City in November and Hugh had not joined me yet. I chose to focus on who I wanted to be more than what goals I wanted to check off a list as I settled into this new chapter of life.
I’m the type of person that…
I heard someone on a podcast talk about how he/she sets their resolutions using this phrase a couple years ago (I tried to dig up who it was, but could not find it, sorry!). This is how I started each of the statements on my list this year and am loving it. I set (SMART) goals all the time. This framework allows me to choose themes and values to focus on for the entire year.
…supports and loves her partner without trying to change his way to hers.
Alright, diving right into the personal stuff here, aren’t we? I have to constantly remind myself that his way of seeing the world is no more right than my way. This is one of the biggest ways the Enneagram has helped me. We’re both committed to an exceptional relationship, and to us that means a partnership. The support aspect of this was particularly important in January as we were in the middle of a stressful and transitional period, but it’s certainly still applicable now.
…gracefully shares her knowledge and understanding with others.
I wrote this one when I thought I wanted to start this blog but was too scared to actually put in writing that I wanted to start this blog! On top of that, I also had a unique perspective to share with others in my new role at work. This is one I continue to work on every day, but here you are reading this post, so it’s going well!
Grace is a major theme of 2019. For others, but mostly for myself.
…is a life-long learner.
I never want to stop absorbing information and other people’s perspectives! My favorite mediums right now are podcasts and books. I started the year reading a lot more non-fiction, but have switched to fiction more this summer. We can learn a lot from others’ stories.
…keeps promises made to herself and others.
I love this way of framing discipline. It also umbrellas whatever goals I set throughout the year! I had work in mind for this one, too. My new role is very self-motivated and I set most of my own deadlines. This resolution is always relevant as loyalty and reliability are characteristics I value strongly.
…doesn’t dwell on perfection and forgives herself for mistakes.
I, like so many others, struggle with perfectionism and negative self talk. I’ve worked on this by listening to podcasts like the WANTcast (Women Against Negative Talk), the Enneagram Journey, and many others, practicing meditation, and simply being more aware of this challenge. I think I have a long way to go, but know I’m not alone in this.
Thanks for sticking with me getting vulnerable about progress I’ve made towards these resolutions! 2019 has been a big year of growth so far. I can’t wait to see what the last four months bring.
Your turn! What were your 2019 resolutions?
Do you remember what you set out to do in January? What kind of progress have you made? Are those goals still important to you? There’s no reason not to get back at those dreams today! I’d love to hear what your 2019 intentions are.