How Intentions Shape Your Life

The New Year and the Pressure to Achieve

As the New Year begins, many of us feel the pressure to evaluate our achievements. We often focus on the numbers — how much money we earned, how many items we crossed off our to-do list, or how much progress we made in our careers.

But what if the real question isn’t about how much we’ve done, but rather how aligned we are with what truly matters?

This year, instead of asking yourself, “What have I achieved?” ask, “What do I value, and how am I honoring those values?”

The Shift from Goals to Intentions

We’re often taught to set clear, measurable goals. But goals, by nature, are tied to results — and results don’t always reflect the richness of our lives.

Intentions, on the other hand, focus on the “why” behind the goal. They tap into our deeper desires and motivations.

In Hebrew, the word for intention is “ratzon,” which means “will” or “desire.” There’s a saying: “Nothing stands in the way of ratzon.” This reflects the idea that a pure and deeply rooted intention has immense power.

For example:

• A goal might be to make more money this year.

• The intention behind that goal could be to provide a better quality of life for your family or to feel secure.

When you focus on the intention, it shifts your energy from chasing results to creating alignment with your values.

What is one intention you want to set for yourself this year?

The Power of Your Internal Environment

Here’s a question to sit with: Is your brain a hostile place?

When you pause to reflect, do you notice criticism, judgment, or frustration dominating your thoughts? Or do you create space for encouragement, warmth, and nurturing?

The environment inside your mind is as important as the environment around you. A negative internal dialogue can sabotage even the best intentions.

If you want to set positive intentions, start by cultivating a safe and nurturing mental space.

Try asking yourself:

• What kind of relationship do I have with myself?

• How can I make my internal dialogue more supportive?

• What thoughts can I let go of to create more space for positivity and growth?

Nurturing Intentions Over Trauma

One of the most profound insights from the source material is this: Don’t let past trauma overshadow new experiences.

Trauma can keep us stuck in survival mode, making it difficult to trust ourselves or others. But as adults, we now have better judgment, tools, and boundaries to navigate life.

When you set intentions for this year, ask yourself:

• Am I making choices based on fear or on trust in my growth?

• How can I approach my relationships and opportunities with openness rather than defensiveness?

Remember: Maturity is about softening, not hardening. When we soften, we allow ourselves to experience life fully, without the armor that past pain has taught us to wear.

The Science of Intention: Where Does Energy Come From?

Just like we need sunlight to thrive, we also need intentional energy to fuel our lives. Think of yourself as a solar panel:

• When you focus on positivity, nurturing, and connection, you absorb light and generate energy.

• When you focus on negativity or avoidance, it’s like standing in the shade — there’s no energy to draw from.

Here are some ways to source “light” in your daily life:

• Spend time in nature or sunlight to recharge emotionally and physically.

• Practice gratitude to shift your focus to what’s going well.

• Surround yourself with people who bring warmth and positivity into your life.

Practical Exercise: Aligning with Your Intentions

To bring these ideas into practice, try this simple exercise:

Find a quiet space and take a few deep breaths.

Ask yourself:

• What do I truly want this year?

• Why do I want it? What’s the deeper motivation?

• Where in my life am I avoiding responsibility for my own happiness?

Notice where you feel your intention in your body. Is there tension in your chest? Lightness in your stomach? Observe how your body reacts to your thoughts.

The key is to let your intention come from a place of nurturing and alignment, rather than fear or pressure.

Reflection Questions for the Week

As you move through your week, take time to reflect on the following:

1️⃣ What is one intention I can set today that reflects my deepest values?
2️⃣ How can I make my internal dialogue more nurturing?
3️⃣ Am I prioritizing what truly matters, or am I chasing distractions?
4️⃣ Where can I soften, rather than harden, in my approach to life and relationships?

Final Thought: Progress Over Perfection

Setting intentions isn’t about creating a perfect life — it’s about aligning with what matters most to you. It’s about showing up for yourself in small, meaningful ways every day.

The path to growth isn’t linear, and it’s not always easy. But when you nurture your internal environment and focus on what you can control, you create the foundation for a life filled with purpose, joy, and light.

Take a moment this week to pause, breathe, and connect with yourself. Ask: What am I really striving for? And how can I honor that intention today?

With warmth and intention,

Esther