If Goals Aren’t Working for You, Try Setting Intentions Instead

How do you want to be?

Photo by Jukan Tateisi on Unsplash

Some years, I’m really into goals. I love a fresh page on the calendar and a new planner and I’m full of energy to dream big dreams! and build new habits! and make things happen! And some years? I’m just not.

What I’ve noticed about the just not years (or seasons) is that they tend to have things in common: usually, a desire or need for more rest, and one or more thing(s) I have no control over and that are making me tired. (Hence, the need for more rest.)

Maybe you’ve experienced this too? It’s hard to muster energy for dreams when your elderly parent’s dementia is getting worse. It’s hard to build new habits when your baby is not interested in sleeping through the night. It’s hard to want to make things happen when every job application you send out is met with crickets.

When we choose a life of community, in whatever form, it means that we’re not just hermits with no responsibilities or obligations or concern for anyone else. It means that other people’s lives are intertwined with ours. It means that we can’t just do whatever we want whenever we want. 

It means that not everything is in our solo grasp.

Is it a Good Season for Goals?

And that means that sometimes setting goals is not the best fit for the season we’re in. Of course it’s possible to set goals in any season. But it requires discernment to know whether it’s a good season to attempt it.

If setting goals feels burdensome instead of freeing, it might not be a good season.