Better than Resolutions: 3 Inspiring Ways to Set Your Intentions for 2020
The new year is just around the corner—and with it comes a sense of renewal.
This year feels especially meaningful. A new decade represents a fresh chapter, full of possibility, reflection, and hope.
Traditionally, people set resolutions: lose weight, exercise more, change habits. But while well-intentioned, resolutions often fade quickly—and sometimes leave us feeling discouraged when life doesn’t go as planned.
What if this year, you chose something different?
What if instead of trying to “fix” yourself, you focused on how you want to feel, live, and grow?
That’s where intentions come in.
🌿 Resolutions vs. Intentions: A Mindset Shift
Resolutions often come from a place of pressure—something to fix or improve. Intentions, however, come from a place of awareness and acceptance.
They’re less about perfection and more about presence.
Intentions don’t demand change overnight. Instead, they gently guide your daily choices, helping you align with what truly matters: peace, connection, and meaning.
A small shift in mindset can influence well-being, relationships, and even physical health over time.
1. Let Yesterday Go
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today.” — Mother Teresa
We all carry moments from the past—some we cherish, others we wish we could redo. But many of us continue to carry them longer than we need to.
Maybe it’s regret. Maybe it’s hurt. Maybe it’s a different path we wish we had taken.
This year, consider the intention of release.
Let go of what weighs you down. Make amends where needed. Forgive where possible—including yourself.
Then allow yourself to move forward.
Intention example:
I intend to forgive others and myself.
2. Focus on Today
“In this moment, there is infinite possibility.” — Victoria Moran
So much of life is spent worrying about what’s already happened or what might come next.
But life only happens in the present.
When you slow down and become present, you begin to notice what was always there: small joys, familiar laughter, quiet beauty in everyday moments.
Intentional presence doesn’t require big changes—just small awareness.
Intention example:
I intend to be open each day to joy and connection with loved ones.
3. Practice Gratitude
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Melody Beattie
Gratitude doesn’t need to be complicated.
It can be as simple as noticing one good thing each day—a kind word, a warm meal, a peaceful moment, a familiar voice.
Some people write it down. Others say it quietly to themselves. However it’s practiced, gratitude has a way of shifting perspective and bringing more peace into daily life.
Research has linked gratitude practices with improved mood, better sleep, stronger relationships, and overall well-being.
Intention example:
I intend to begin each day with gratitude for what I have.
A New Year, A Gentler Approach
As we step into a new year and a new decade, it’s less about becoming someone new—and more about becoming more connected to who we already are.
Intentions remind us that we are not unfinished.
We are already enough.
A Note of Gratitude from Classy Pal
At Classy Pal, we are deeply grateful for the community we’ve built with you. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your lives and for allowing our products—like our adult clothing protectors—to support comfort, dignity, and independence.
We look forward to the new year with the intention of continuing to serve you with care and purpose.
References
- Greater Good Science Center. Benefits of gratitude and mindfulness practices.
- American Psychological Association. Stress, coping, and goal-setting behavior research.
- National Institute on Aging. Healthy aging and emotional well-being in older adults.
Happy New Year from all of us at Classy Pal!