A hybrid approach between resolutions and intentions can help you reach your communication goals.
Considering that many people no longer set resolutions for the New Year as they are quickly broken, what’s an alternative to a resolution? What if instead of a resolution, you set an intention?
While resolutions are goal-oriented and focused on specific results (which are fine!), intentions could be viewed as a more sustainable approach as they allude to alignment with your values and processes in bringing about lasting change.
Since my work is specifically and primarily focused on communication skills, how might you use a blended approach to reach your communication goals?
Here are three ways in which resolutions and intentions differ that might initiate thoughts on how to incorporate a blended approach to elevate your communication skills this year.
3 Ways Resolutions and Intentions Differ:
1. Focus
Resolution: Since a resolution is typically goal-oriented and focuses on achieving a specific outcome, perhaps your goal is to become a more polished communicator. Start with developing habits that are measurable.
Examples here may include contributing at least once during an important meeting or applying to speak at particular conferences or TEDx events.
Intention: An intention focuses on the way you want to be or feel throughout the year. It’s more about aligning with your values than a concrete end result.
An example could be desiring to be a more effective communicator, therefore, you focus on cultivating your self-awareness of your communication and public speaking skills by asking for feedback and focusing on areas that need improvement.
2. Approach
Resolution: Resolutions often rely on external metrics to measure success and may feel rigid. A resolution approach to achieving your communication goals may center around acquiring or developing a particular skill, number of speaking engagements, or set amount of income from speaking events.
Resolutions can involve changing a specific behavior, such as reducing filler words or pausing before delivering a negative comment.
Intention: Intentions are more grounded in mindfulness and are generally more fluid and intrinsic in nature. Intentions are adaptable, allowing for growth and exploration rather than perfection.
3. Mindset
Resolution: Resolutions can carry a “success vs. failure” mindset, where not achieving the set goal might feel like a failure and the result is a decrease in motivation to continue working to achieve one’s set goals.
Intention: Intentions promote a more compassionate and growth mindset, encourage alignment with your values, and offer flexibility to reset when challenges arise.
Elevate your approach
Choosing between the ways to look at achieving and reaching your communication goals depends on what feels more motivating or supportive for your growth. A hybrid approach between resolutions and intentions may offer the best of both methods.
What resonates most with you?
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