This Wellness Consultant Says You Should Focus on Intentions, Not Just Resolutions

Focus on Your Wellbeing First

As we enter a new year, many people make ambitious resolutions aimed at self-improvement and life changes. While these goals come from an admirable place, wellness consultant Ava Green encourages focusing first on self-care, self-acceptance, and self-compassion – rather than rapid external changes.

Understand Your Motivations

Green asks her clients to reflect carefully on what motivates their resolution goals. Is it coming from a place of wanting to improve perceived flaws or failings? Or is it grounded in aspirations toward better wellbeing and fulfillment?

The former motivation often leads to self-judgment when resolutions fail. The latter focuses on intentions over outcomes – an attitude Green sees as vital for sustainable growth.

Intentions Over Resolutions

“Rather than rigid resolutions, I ask my clients to set intentional themes for the months ahead,” says Green. These flexible intentions allow for self-compassion when life gets in the way of specific goals.

An intention might be to move your body in ways that feel good a few times a week. A resolution would set a strict regimen with metrics like losing 10 pounds in 2 months.

“When we focus on self-acceptance first, external changes tend to follow more easily,” explains Green.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself

Here are 5 self-reflection questions Green suggests as you set your new year’s intentions:

How can I approach this year with more self-compassion and less self-criticism?
What are small, sustainable steps I can take toward better wellbeing?
How can I motivate myself with love rather than pressure?
What parts of my lifestyle bring me joy that I can build on?
How can I celebrate each step of the journey rather than just the outcomes?

Focus Areas for Wellbeing

Beyond setting broad intentions, Green advocates choosing 1-2 specific areas to focus on improving your daily wellness. Areas she recommends considering:

Nutrition: Exploring healthy, seasonal recipes
Physical activity: Finding enjoyable, maintainable movement
Work-life balance: Setting better boundaries
Personal growth: Reading, new hobbies, community
Spiritual wellness: Spending time in nature, meditation

Go At Your Own Pace

“Be patient and compassionate with yourself above all else,” Green emphasizes. “Lasting change comes step-by-step, not all at once. If you need to adjust your intentions, that’s OK. You get to decide what feels right for you.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a resolution and an intention?

A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something. An intention is a conscious motivation toward a goal. Intentions allow more flexibility and self-compassion.

Why does the author recommend focusing on self-care first?

The author explains that when we come from a place of self-acceptance and compassion, positive external changes naturally follow more easily and sustainably than self-imposed pressure.

What are some examples of intention setting?

Example intentions might be wanting to nurture more self-kindness, take small steps toward better nutrition, or set better work-life boundaries. The focus is on the motivation, not specific measurable targets.

What are some areas of life to consider for wellbeing intentions?

Areas to consider focus intentions in include physical activity, work-life balance, nutrition, personal growth through hobbies and learning, and spiritual wellness through nature and meditation.

Why does the author recommend going at your own pace?

The author emphases patience and self-compassion when making lifestyle changes related to wellbeing. Forcing rigid expectations rather than sustaining positive motivations leads to self-judgment and failure, ultimately being counterproductive.