In 2025, We’re Not Making Resolutions—We’re Setting Intentions

Some people swear by New Year’s resolutions. They can be like a motivational pep talk in calendar form—an inspiring little nudge to take the bull by the horns and finally become the person who goes to 5:10am Strength class and never forgets their reusable bags at the grocery store. 

But let’s be honest: resolutions can also be...kind of the worst.

The truth is, most of the time, New Year’s resolutions have a way of making us feel like failures by February. It’s not a problem with the goals themselves—it’s the all-or-nothing vibe. All January long, we get bombarded with messages about transformation and discipline and how if we just try hard enough we’re going to be completely new people by the end of the month. “New year, new you,” right?

But what if you didn’t need to start the year by waging war on yourself? 

What if you could embrace growth, progress, and well-being in all its non-linear messiness and ditch the guilt trip? 

Well, at Western, we think you can! That’s why, in 2025, we’re saying goodbye to making resolutions and hello to a gentler, more sustainable approach—setting intentions. Let’s talk about how you can become a happier, healthier version of yourself this year without chasing perfection. 

Yes, it’s a new year. But we don’t think there needs to be a new you! 

Why Intentions Are Better Than Resolutions

We promise intentions are not just resolutions in disguise. 

Resolutions tend to sound like the strict, no-nonsense boss of your inner world. “Lose 20 pounds!” “Work out every single day!” “No more sugar!” They’re loud, demanding, and can be exhausting! 

Intentions, on the other hand, are more like a supportive best friend. They’re flexible, understanding, and focused on the journey rather than the destination. Intentions create space for growth without piling on the pressure to be perfect. They focus on how you want to feel, live, or grow, rather than a specific, rigid outcome. 

While resolutions might set a hard target like “lose 15 pounds” or “run a marathon,” intentions focus on how you want to live or feel during the process, such as “build a healthier relationship with food” or “find joy and freedom in movement.”

If you’re the kind of person who’s motivated by more goal-specific resolutions, that’s great! There’s definitely room for different approaches. But even if you have resolutions for the year, setting larger intentions for yourself can help support those resolutions along the way and make it easier to recover from perceived setbacks. 

Simply put, resolutions tend to be quantitative—specific, outcome-focused, and measurable, plus they often tend to focus on negative things you want to change.

Intentions tend to be qualitative—more open-ended (although they can be specific) and are more about the mindset and feelings you want to cultivate in your life with a focus on the positive. 

How To Set Meaningful Resolutions

Reflect on Your Values

How often do you take time to ask yourself, What matters most to me right now? 

Life is busy. We don’t often get adequate time to introspect and take inventory of what truly matters to us. Maybe it’s feeling more energized, connecting more with loved ones, or cultivating a sense of calm. The key is to identify what truly resonates with you—not what you think you should care about.

For example, if you value friendship and connection, your resolution might be “make five new friends this year.” Your intention then might be to “be open to new connections and take opportunities to deepen existing relationships.” The intention opens you up to a new mindset that supports your resolution and leaves room for tending to and evolving what you value without feeling like you’ve “failed.” 

Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

Intentions are about the how.

Instead of fixating on a specific end goal—“I will go to the gym five days a week.”—think about the small, consistent actions you can make each day that align with who you want to be—“I will explore movement that feels good for my body, whether it’s at the gym, outdoors, or at home.”

Instead of “I’m cutting out all sugar!” try, “I’ll be mindful of how food makes me feel and aim for balance.”

Make it Personal

What do you really want? Your intentions should reflect you, not the trends or expectations around you. It can be especially hard to shake off all the messages we see everywhere about losing weight, trying specific diets, or fitting into some oh-so-Instagrammable lifestyle model. But your intentions should be focused on what makes you feel good about yourself and your life.

So instead of, “I’m going to eat clean every single day,” try “I’ll nourish my body with foods that give me the energy to do the things I love, and I’ll leave room for treats that bring me joy.”  

Be Gentle With Yourself

We hear the phrase “give grace” tossed around a lot. While it may feel a little cliche, it really is some of the simplest and best advice you can follow. Intentions aren’t about perfection—they are about learning and growing in a way that allows you to feel good while also giving grace to yourself.

Give yourself permission to adapt and course-correct as needed. Life happens! We’re all human! You may set an intention to prioritize self-care this year, but that might look different each day. Maybe on Monday that’s a luxurious bubble bath and a book, and on Thursday that’s ordering takeout, watching six episodes of Bridgerton in a row, and calling it a win.

Write Them Down

There’s power in putting your intentions into words. Write your intentions down somewhere you’ll see them regularly—a journal, a sticky note on your mirror, your notes app, etc. Even just talking about them with friends or family can keep them top of mind and help you stay aligned with the things you care about. 

Revisit & Revise

Intentions aren’t set in stone. Revisit them throughout the year and see how they’re serving you. Maybe you need to tweak them, add new ones, or just celebrate how far you’ve come. Part of being human is growing and changing, so let your intentions do the same!

Western Is Here to Support Your Intentions

Life is messy, goals evolve, and no one’s health and wellness path looks the same. By focusing on intentions instead of resolutions, you’re setting yourself up for a year rooted in purpose, positivity, and growth. Intentions allow you to honor where you are while gently steering you toward where you want to be—and that’s a journey worth taking. 

This year, focus on embracing the messy, imperfect, worthy, and wonderful you. We’ll be here by your side, offering you opportunities to try new things (hello Pilates Human Reformer!), meet new people (have you heard about this new pickleball trend?), find healing and calm (breathwork is the emotional catharsis you never knew you needed), and learn more (tune in to the Take Life Further podcast for some fresh perspectives). 

At Western, we’re always working on ways to better support you—the whole you. Whether you’re here to sweat it out, find healing, or connect with others, we’re committed to helping you live a life that feels fulfilling, balanced, and intentional.

Happy New Year! Let’s make 2025 a great one together!