Why setting intentions leads to success (and resolutions fail!)

Do you start every year with a whole lot of hope and resolutions on paper, eager to be a healthier, happier & more successful version of yourself? But in just a matter of weeks the motivation fades and your resolutions start to wither, like that perfectly ripe avocado that turns brown before you even get a chance to enjoy it?

It’s not just you.

THE TRUTH - MOST RESOLUTIONS FAIL

It’s estimated that over 90% of people fail to keep their resolutions by February! Why? Because resolutions are often too vague, unrealistic, with an all or nothing thinking. Here’s an example: “I want to lose weight so I’m going to stop eating sugar this year”. This may last a few days, or if you’re lucky, even a few weeks. But as soon as you hit a stressful day, you hurl yourself towards that oh so delicious and comforting bar of chocolate - and then just like that, you feel like you’ve failed. So you give up and go back to your old sugar habits. 

So what if we approached things a little differently? What if, instead of rigid resolutions we embrace the powerful and life transforming practice of intention setting? Let’s delve into intention setting and why this method will lead to success in achieving your personal goals and dreams.

WHY INTENTION SETTING ACTUALLY WORKS

Intention setting is a more mindful way to align your daily actions with your values and goals. It’s not about perfection, it’s about purpose. Unlike strict resolutions, intentions focus on growth and self-awareness rather than fixed outcomes. It’s about connecting to your inner WHY, your deeper truth. 

By setting intentions, you’re creating a clear vision for how you want to feel, act and be in the world. This fosters purpose and keeps you motivated throughout the year. When you are clear, you’re able to uncover the path ahead - you begin to see the specific daily steps you need to take to manifest your vision into reality.

“Setting intentions isn’t about New Year’s Resolutions which undoubtedly fall by the wayside within a few weeks, if not days! (Sorry, gym membership). This is about a deeper practice that connects me back to my spiritual path, a way to reset and realign with my core values and sense of purpose. It’s also about creating actionable, achievable steps to make it happen!” - Trudi Jaye, Co-Founder Retreatment Botanics.

AN INTENTION SETTING PROCESS THAT STICKS

Setting intentions isn’t as simple as just listing them down. Without getting clear on your WHY and creating actionable steps, your intentions are unlikely to stick. Intentions need clarity, purpose and a plan to turn them into meaningful change.

A trusted and successful 3-step intention setting process should include:

1. Reflecting on past highlights and challenges - what are you bringing forth and what are you letting go of?

2. Envisioning & setting intentions - discovering your why and purpose

3. Creating actionable steps and small daily habits

CREATING A POWERFUL SPACE

As with any intentional practice - meditation, yoga, intention setting or even your daily skincare ritual, there are tools and ways to create a tranquil space that nurtures you, centers your mind and balances your emotions.

The first step is finding a comfortable spot that feels quiet, undisturbed and filled with good energy. It might be a favourite room, a chair near a window or a peaceful spot outside in nature. Clear the space of distractions and clutter - so your mind will also feel positive and clear.

Cleanse and reset the energy - you might like to sage the space, light a candle, turn on a salt lamp or be guided by your favourite crystal. You can create cleansing sounds by chanting om, using a singing bowl, or even simply clapping in the air.

Be as practical or as spiritual as you like - do what feels right for you.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR A CALM SPACE

One of our favourite ways to instil the calmness required for intention setting is pure essential oils. Our Signature Calm Blend is renowned for evoking serenity & still while helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

• Sandalwood: Promotes relaxation and mental clarity, with a grounding, calming aroma that helps reduce stress.

• Ylang Ylang: Balances emotions, relieves stress, and promotes relaxation.

• Lemon Myrtle: Energises the mind, reducing brain 'fog'.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RE-EVALUATING

This is quite possibly the most important take-away from this deep dive! Setting intentions is not a once-off single process, it’s a daily recommitting, an ongoing journey of growth and self-discovery. As we evolve, so do our desires, priorities, and circumstances, which is why regularly re-evaluating our intentions is so important.

Checking in with yourself allows you to refine your focus, celebrate progress, and realign with what truly matters. You can do this any day, yet key moments throughout the year such as new moons (which symbolize fresh beginnings), the winter solstice (a time of reflection and renewal), beginning of the seasons, or personal milestones like birthdays, anniversaries etc all offer perfect opportunities to re-evaluate. 

By making reflection a regular practice, you create space for continuous growth and ensure that your intentions remain aligned with your highest self.



Enjoy the benefits of this powerful practice.