Happy 2025! The confetti has settled, the holiday snacks are (mostly) gone, and the gym is mysteriously crowded. But let’s talk about something real – January 10th just passed, also known as Quitters Day — the day most people officially give up on their New Year’s resolutions.
Here’s the good news: Quitters Day is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reframe! If resolutions feel like a ball and chain dragging you into another year of stress, let’s toss them out, reframe things, and set intentions for 2025.
What’s the difference, you ask? Resolutions are like that drill sergeant gym teacher from middle school — all rules, no room for fun. Intentions, however, are more like your favorite aunt: encouraging, flexible, and always bringing good snacks.
And guess what? When you toss out the resolution rulebook and focus on intentions, you create room for creativity, growth, and connection — not just for yourself but for all the generations in your life and workplace.
Why Intentions Are the Cool New Thing
Think of intentions as the GPS of your life. They guide you without yelling “Recalculating!” every time you hit a detour. Plus, they leave wiggle room for the unexpected (like that donut you didn’t plan to eat last Tuesday).
Resolutions focus on what’s wrong with you. “Lose weight.” “Quit procrastinating.” Boring! Intentions celebrate what’s awesome about you and give you space to grow: “Honor my body,” “Embrace productivity.” See the difference?
How to Set a 2025 Intention (No Complicated Forms Required)
- Reflect, but Make It Fun: Grab a favorite drink and think about when you felt happiest last year. Was it hiking? A random road trip? Dancing to ‘80s music at the company holiday party? Whatever it is, lean into it.
- Pick a Power Word: This is your “North Star” for the year. Choose words like “growth,” “connection,” or “cha-ching” (hey, no judgment if money is your focus).
- Share your Vision: Talk about your intentions with friends, family, or colleagues. Not only will they cheer you on, but you might inspire them to set their own.
- Create Powerful Statements: Turn your intentions into affirmations or mantras that help keep you on track. For example, instead of “I want to reduce stress,” try, “I am choosing calm and balance in my life.” These statements help reinforce your intention and keep you motivated, even on tough days.
- Make It Visual: Bring your intention to life by creating a vision board, setting a themed wallpaper on your phone, or writing it on sticky notes around your workspace. A daily visual reminder helps you stay connected to your goals and adds a little creative flair to your life.
Pro tip: Every day is a chance to set an intention. January 1 is cool, but so is March 23, July 8, or any random Tuesday.
Generational Intention-Setting (It’s Like a Party, and Everyone’s Invited!)
And when we talk about intentions through a multigenerational lens, things get even more exciting. Baby Boomers can bring their wisdom, Gen Xers their independence, Millennials their collaborative spirit, and Gen Zers their passion for change.
- Baby Boomers: Your intention could be “Learn something new and share my experience.” Whether it’s salsa dancing or figuring out TikTok (yes, Boomers are on TikTok!), your curiosity inspires everyone.
- Gen X: You’re juggling a lot, so try to “Create a balance between my needs and others” That means saying “yes” to self-care and “no” to that 57th PTA meeting.
- Millennials: Your team player energy is unmatched. How about “Collaborate in ways that spark joy”? You’ve mastered Slack; now teach us all to survive without 25 emails a day.
- Gen Z: You’re the future! Set an intention like “Stand for what matters to me.” From climate change to better workplace vibes, you’ve got the passion to shake things up.
2025: A Year of Connection and Intentions
What we really want to say is: 2025 doesn’t need to be a high-pressure race to perfection. Make it a journey of small wins, hilarious fails, and meaningful connections. Each generation around you has something to offer — from the Baby Boomer who still calls Instagram “The Gram” to the Gen Zer teaching you how to use it without looking cringe.
So what’s your intention for 2025? Let’s keep it simple, fun, and something you can enjoy living out. After all, life’s too short to take everything seriously.
Cheers to an incredible, laughter-filled year ahead — and don’t forget, donuts & mimosas are optional but encouraged!