Happy New Year! Instead of setting several ambitious goals for 2014, I’m trying something new this year. I’m setting 3 to 5 positive intentions for what I want to draw into my life this year. What’s the difference between setting a goal and setting an intention? Goal setting involves an analytical process where we identify an end point based on what we “think we should” logically achieve and outline the steps to get there. We control the plan and the actions we will take along the way. Setting an intention involves identifying our true heart’s desires, the feelings associated with them, and why they are important to us. We let go of the need to have a specific plan and instead allow the process to emerge. Goals come from the mind and are sometimes forced and difficult to achieve. Intentions come from the heart and are realized with ease and grace.

So why would I choose to go this route being a logical person who has practiced strategic planning for years? Because I have attempted to control nearly everything in my life and follow my “plan” for years, and it didn’t work. I’m letting go of what I “think I should accomplish.” Instead, I’m following my true heart’s desires – what I believe my life’s purpose(s) to be. I have faith that I will be happier and more successful using this approach because I’m clear about what I really want and why I want it. What I’m not totally clear about is exactly how I will do it. However, I am open to opportunities and possibilities that show up to move me closer to my desires. I also believe that the heart has the ability to persevere and overcome obstacles that the mind can’t think its way out of.

Here are some areas where you might choose to set 3-5 positive intentions for this year:

• Career – Do you want to be in a career where you are making a contribution that is aligned with your values, giving you satisfaction, and allowing you to use your greatest talents and realize your highest potential?
• Financial – Do you want to regularly save for what you want in the future such as retirement, vacations, college funds, etc.
• Health – Do you want to have the physical energy to do what you want in life and feel at your very best every day?
• Significant other/Romance – Do you want to be in a committed relationship with a partner that shares your values and interests and supports your dreams and intentions?
• Family – Do you want to have better relationships with family members? Do you want to spend more time nurturing these relationships?
• Social Relationships/Friends – Do you want to cultivate a network of social relationships with people who share similar interests with you?
• Personal Growth & Development – Do you want to become the best person you can possibly be, learning and growing personally, professionally and spiritually as a human being?
• Fun & Recreation – Do you want to take more time for yourself, enjoying the present moment and engaging in activities simply for the joy of it?

Intentions from the heart are very powerful because they involve strong positive emotions. The stronger the positive feelings associated with our desires, the more likely we are to take action, and therefore, the more likely we are to attain them. Make 2014 your best year yet by focusing daily on your true heart’s desires and taking inspired action to move toward them.

 Watch this video to start the year off right.

 “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein

 “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney