The New Year often arrives with a sense of possibility, a clean slate marked by the simple turn of a calendar page. Many of us respond by setting resolutions or ambitious goals, declaring that this will be the year we finally change a behavior or become more of who we want to be.

I’ve been fortunate to experience plenty of new years, and I’ve tried it all: goal setting, resolutions, promises to do more of the good things and less of the not-so-good ones. And like many people, I usually begin with strong motivation, only to discover that the goal was too big, too vague, or too demanding. By the time spring rolls around (and if I’m honest, often much sooner), the momentum fades and the goal quietly slips away.

This year, I’m choosing a different approach: intentions. Intentions offer a framework rather than an outcome. They help guide decisions, focus energy, and keep us aligned with our values, without the pressure of perfection. An intention isn’t something to accomplish; it’s a way to be and a way to act.

So instead of asking, What do I want to achieve this year?  try asking: How do I want to be? Calm. Confident. Connected. How do I want to act? With purpose. With integrity. With curiosity.

As you begin this year, take a quiet moment to reflect. What qualities do you want to bring into your days, especially when things feel busy or uncertain? Choose an intention that feels meaningful and let it gently guide how you show up for yourself and others, one decision at a time.

Some resources to help you get started:

• Explore your values with Brene Brown's List of Values from Dare to Lead.  
• Need some ideas about setting your intentions, check out these articles Cleveland Clinic - Making the Most Out of Setting Intentions and Mindful Intentions by Calm .

The Ohio State University Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling services can also provide guidance and support in the new year. Call 800-678-6265 or submit an online request here.