Ditch the Resolutions, Embrace the Intentions

As January unfolds, the pressure of New Year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming. For many, the 17th of January—National Ditch Your Resolution Day—is a moment to let go of unrealistic goals. But what if, instead of abandoning resolutions altogether, we reframed them? Let’s embrace a softer, more sustainable approach: setting intentions. 

Unlike traditional resolutions, which can feel rigid and daunting, intentions offer flexibility and focus on how you want to feel and grow. They encourage mindfulness, allowing space for adaptation and self-compassion. Here’s how you can make January a month of meaningful progress by shifting from resolutions to intentions.

What Does It Mean to Set an Intention? 

An intention is less about ticking off a goal and more about aligning with your values and mindset. Think of it as a compass, guiding your actions throughout the day, week, or year. It’s about how you want to live and feel, rather than achieving a specific outcome. Words like “kindness,” “gratitude,” or “curiosity” can serve as anchors for your day-to-day choices. 

For example, rather than saying, “I’ll lose a stone by May before my holidays” you might set an intention to “practice self-care and nourish my body.” This subtle yet powerful shift focuses on the journey rather than a rigid end goal. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, puts it, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Intentions help build those systems with care and flexibility.

Tips for Weaving Intentions Into Everyday Life 

Write Them Down 

Journaling can bring clarity to your intentions and make them feel more tangible. Spend a few minutes in the morning or evening reflecting on how you embodied your intention that day or how you hope to embrace it tomorrow. 

Scatter Gentle Reminders 

Keep your intentions front of mind by placing little reminders around your home. Write them on sticky notes and pop them on your mirror, fridge, or desk. Or choose a decorative print featuring a word or quote that resonates with your chosen intention. 

Build Intentions Into Your Routine 

Pair your intentions with habits you already have. If your intention is to “focus on gratitude,” use your morning tea or coffee break to list three things you’re grateful for. Small actions like this make intentions part of your daily rhythm. 

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection 

Intentions aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence. Celebrate small wins, like taking a mindful moment outdoors or pausing to breathe deeply. These moments of alignment with your intentions are what truly matter. As Brené Brown reminds us in The Gifts of Imperfection, “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.” 

Examples of Achievable Intentions 

If you’re unsure where to start, here are some simple, meaningful intentions to inspire you: 

• “Spend more time outdoors.” Take a short walk on your lunch break or plan a weekend wander in the countryside. Nature has a wonderful way of grounding us. 
  
  
• “Create a weekly self-care ritual.” Dedicate one evening a week to something that nourishes you, whether it’s a warm bath, journaling, or reading a chapter of a favourite book with an Aery Living candle flickering nearby. 
  
  
• “Practice kindness.” Look for small opportunities to be kind to yourself and others, whether it’s offering a heartfelt compliment or forgiving yourself on tough days. 

Aery’s Favourite Practices to Inspire You 

At Aery Living, we’ve found that small, thoughtful practices help us stay centred throughout the year. Here are a few intentions our team loves: 

Mindful mornings

One team member begins their day with five minutes of meditation, accompanied by the calming glow of our Before Sleep Candle. It sets the tone for a relaxed, focused day ahead. 

Bringing nature indoors

Staying connected to nature is another favourite intention. Adding indoor plants to workspaces and lighting earthy scents like Winter Thyme creates a grounding atmosphere. 

Self-care Sundays

Many of us dedicate Sunday evenings to self-care. This could mean a face mask, journaling, or simply unwinding with the comforting scent of our Positive Energy Reed Diffuser nearby. 

This January, let’s give ourselves permission to ditch grand resolutions and focus on gentle, meaningful intentions instead. By aligning your actions with your values, you’ll create a sense of growth that feels achievable and fulfilling. As you navigate the year ahead, let your intentions guide you with mindfulness and purpose. 

In the words of Carl Jung, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” Let’s make this year about small, intentional steps that bring us joy and balance.