Intentions and Resolutions-Posted By Derek Olsen

Four weeks into the new year, how's your New Year's Resolution coming along?  Or do you not make resolutions knowing that they usually fail?  Depending on whose study you read, on the average only about 9% of us succeed in keeping our New Year's Resolutions.  A bold proclamation at midnight, champagne bottle in hand, doesn’t seem to cut it. From a practical perspective, nothing actually changed between December 31st and January 1st except the numbers on your calendar.  However, from an inspirational perspective, this is a traditional time for looking ahead, getting clear, and setting a fresh course, which The Dede Henley Group supports whole heartedly.   Whatever you're up to in 2011, your success will largely be determined by how you frame it.

Words matter.  The definition of resolve is: “to settle or find a solution to, or decide firmly on a course of action”.  In the past, I've recited New Year's Resolutions with my jaw set, eyebrows furrowed, and fists clenched to demonstrate that this time I'm really, really serious about doing it.  When I'm resolved, I don't budge, and I end up giving up because of my unwillingness to shift, change or adapt.  Resolve comes from the Latin (re)solver: “to solve, or loosen, untie, free up”.  At The Dede Henley Group, we promote achieving goals by loosening up and being free.  The force of willpower alone won't push you all the way through the year.  Instead, let yourself be pulled by something greater.

We invite you to replace the word resolution with intention, which means “an anticipated outcome that aims or guides one's planned actions”.  Get clear about the outcome that's pulling you forward, and aim for a target that excites you.  Start out with the wide view and get up on the balcony.  Being too focused on the details, or down in the weeds, too early can limit you.  Trust that the details will materialize over time.  As you define this, be guided by your values, and what you're most committed to in life, rather than a current situation that you want to change.  We struggle when our motivation is defined by what we don't want-instead of getting clear about what we do want. Whatever you focus on, you will grow.

Choose a theme for the year that supports your intention.  Create a phrase or mantra you'll easily remember that returns you to your intention.  For example, my intention is: “To build physical and financial strength and gain confidence and stability through consistent practices”.  A few months from now I might have trouble remembering all of that.  So my theme is "Strong, stable and steady."  This brings be back to how I want to be in 2011, and from this place I choose what there is to do.

A powerful intention sets the course for the year.  Be gentle with yourself, and re-examine your intentions often. Keep them posted in places to remind you of what you're up to, and remember you do have choice.  There is mystery in what intentions provide, have fun with them, and what lies ahead may surpass your current scope of imagination.