Live Whole Health #255: Living with purpose: Intent for the New Year

As we close out one year and begin the next, many people are eager to set goals or resolutions. These goals tend to be around positive changes we may want to make and often can end up being hard to stick with, especially if they are large changes!

In addition to goal setting, which I think is great, I like to set intentions for the new year and pair them with mini goals. Intentions can help connect (or reconnect) us to our mission, aspiration and purpose (or MAP).

Goals tend to be specific and measurable, while intentions are more qualitative and compassionate. While different from a specific goal or resolution, intentions can help us realize our goals. For example, you may consider setting an intention to live a healthier lifestyle in addition to a goal to walk for 30 minutes every day.

While living a healthier lifestyle may include getting in daily walks, some gym time or workouts, it may also include weeks where you’re unable to make it out for a walk every day. Your mini goals for living a healthier lifestyle may include things like taking one minute every day to practice mindfulness, pausing for 30 seconds a few times a day to focus on your breath, practicing gratitude by writing down 1-3 things you are grateful for at the beginning or end of your day, or doing a few squats or stretches at your desk every hour. 

Before I set my intentions and goals each year, I like to take a few minutes to reflect on a couple questions. I often think about them with my eyes closed and then write down what comes up for me. I invite you to try this as well by taking a few minutes to answer these two questions, either writing it down or just thinking about it in your mind. Knowing there is no right or wrong answer for the two questions and the answers to both may be similar:

• What really matters to me in my life?
• What brings me a sense of joy and happiness?

When you’re ready, setting your paper aside if you were writing down your answers, join me in this short 5-minute meditation practice to help get you in the mindset to set your intentions and goals for this brand-new year.

If you are interested in trying out more meditations and other self-care practices, visit the #LiveWholeHealth archives on VA News.

Do your intentions and goals include making changes related to your health and well-being? VA’s Live Whole Health mobile application is a free, easy-to-use tool created for anyone ready to take the next step in their Whole Health journey. Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that supports your health and well-being and centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. With this app, you can learn more about Whole Health, fill out your personal health inventory, set goals and get virtual coaching. The Live Whole Health app is not meant to replace professional care for clinical or mental health conditions.

Connect with the Whole Health team at your local facility by finding your local facility contact.