My 2️⃣ 0️⃣ 2️⃣ 6️⃣ Resolution: Living with Intention
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
I’ve never really been one for New Year’s Resolutions, but I came across an Instagram post that pushed me to sit down and think about this upcoming year. The last few years, and the curveballs that came with them both personally and professionally, have made me realize the necessity of setting clear goals. So this year, I’m choosing something different.
I’m choosing intention.
Not perfection. Not hustle. Not “doing it all.”
Just being intentional about what, and who, I allow into my life.
Being intentional about who I surround myself with
Over the last few years, it’s become painfully clear that some people simply don’t want to see you win. They’re transactional, competitive, and only invested in their own climb. They drain your energy, question your worth, and pull you down.
I’m done making excuses for those relationships.
I want to surround myself with people who believe in possibility. People who work hard and smart, lead with heart, root for others, and understand that there is room for everyone at the table.
Those are my people. That’s who I’ve always tried to be for others. And this year, I’m choosing to receive some of that back.
Being intentional with my time and energy
For years, work came first. It served me well. I don’t regret it.
But there is more to life. Having a toddler has taught me this.
I want more time with my two-year-old. More space to take care of my mental and physical health. More time with my mom - she turns 80 this year, and I don’t want to look back wishing I’d shown up more.
I want to travel again, laugh with friends, say yes to adventures, and be still when I need quiet. I want simple joy. Real connection. More memories.
I want to get back into yoga. Reconnect with people I’ve lost touch with now that the postpartum fog has lifted. And I want to invest in myself — learning new technology, building a business, picking up a new language (because my toddler already understands four… and honestly, I need to keep up!).
Being intentional about work
My layoff last year shook me — and, truthfully, it was exactly what I needed.
I didn’t realize how burnt out I was. I had poured everything into a job, a company, and people who didn’t deserve that level of sacrifice.
Lesson learned: never give all of yourself to something that won’t give back — especially when it isn’t yours.
Now I’m operating as an independent contractor and it has surprised me in the best ways. I’m discovering that I don’t always need to be at the helm, I’ve been collaborating with really great people, and I’m learning again – something I had been missing. I’ve also realized that stepping back opens doors to better alignment, healthier boundaries, and new ways to feel fulfilled. I have really enjoyed this pace and it’s working for me.
Being intentional about my finances
I’ve done well for myself — no complaints there. But this year, I want to be more thoughtful about how my money works for me.
I’m thinking beyond paychecks and past habits.
I want to explore new ways to invest — maybe real estate, maybe finally betting on myself and building my own business. I want to think about generational wealth, long-term security, and smarter everyday choices.
Not from a place of fear.
From a place of confidence, clarity, and possibility.
I want my money to support the life I’m building — not the other way around.
Being intentional about rest
I used to be great at recharging — real rest, real downtime, real joy.
Somewhere along the line, that slipped away. Maybe it was the businessness of becoming a mom and taking care of everyone else around me.
This year, I want to take actual breaks: trips where I soak up the sun, dance, laugh with friends, try new foods, experience new cultures, meet people, take boat loads of photos, and let myself live — fully.
Because a rested version of me is a better mom, partner, friend, builder, dreamer… human.
Here’s to a year rooted in intention:
more love,
more presence,
more boundaries,
more joy,
and a whole lot more living.
Now, if you’re like me you’re probably asking yourself how do I go about meeting these goals, keeping myself accountable and tracking progress throughout the year?
A great practice is to set “anchors.” Instead of hard and rigid numbers (lose X pounds, read Y books), each area gets a clear anchor - a simple statement that guides decisions.
For example, my anchors based on my goals could be:
People: I choose relationships that uplift, encourage, and respect me.
Time + Energy: I prioritize family, health, learning, stillness, and meaningful experiences.
Now, translate each anchor into 2-3 simple habits.
🌴 Rest + Joy
Schedule two recharge trips in advance.
One mini-reset per month (spa day, long hike, solo coffee, etc.).
Capture joy — photos, journaling, or simple gratitude notes.
These will hopefully be nice reminders to ensure we’re staying on track.
And lastly, remember to check-in on a regular basis. Maybe that’s weekly, maybe it’s monthly or maybe that’s every other month. There is no perfect formula, it’s whatever works for you.
Let’s do this!
