Back to back, they faced each other . . .

"...Drew their swords and shot each other!" These are lines from a song we used to sing in Kindergarten, that was chock filled with opposites and non-sequiturs.

As often happens when I am running (and this is one of the many wonderful, Spirit-ed experiences that I cherish in running), this bizarre fragment of memory came bubbling up in my consciousness during my workout this morning. Unexpected, uninvited—and most welcome!

It gives me the perfect illustration for the difference between resolution and intention. There is such power at this time of year for sure, in setting new goals. Not because of the calendar date, but because the calendar change brings SO many people's attention into focus at the same time. For several days at this time of year, millions, if not billions of people, are considering how they would like their lives to be different. This creates a very powerful energy field that feeds our creativity, inspiration, and connection with our spiritual nature.

Naturally, as each person steps out of that energy field, it diminishes. As resolutions fall away, and as we allow the business of making a living to draw our focus away from creating a life, our individual—and planetary resolve‚ wane.

What is it, that so many resolutions made with such intensity and well-meaning at the time, seem to fall aside? Great question—and I don't have an answer. But I do have an idea that I am exploring . . .

When we make a resolution, when we resolve to do something, there is a sense in that of againstness. And this can be subtle, so bear with me. A resolution has the sense of "steeling ourselves against" something; of "despite this, I am determined to do this any way." When we resolve to do something, we are focused on avoiding what we don't want. And in that, we can continue to be defined by what we don't want.

Resolution and Intention stand back to back to each other. Resolutions are, more often that not, are connected energetically with the thing we are seeking to leave behind—maintaining a link to the very action, habit, or way of being it is that we are seeking to move on from. Resolutions will keep one eye over your shoulder.

Intentions, however, are forward-focused. They are creative. They are setting a course for where you want to be. Think about that for a moment.

You are in a place that you don't like. Whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. You say to yourself, "I don't want to be here." That's a great, clarifying statement. However, you can be as resolute as you like—it still doesn't give you any clear direction as to where to go next!. On top of that, the last words in your consciousness are "... be here."

If you then say to yourself, "My intention is to ...," now you are setting course for somewhere new. You may not even know how to get there. That's fine. You may not need to know. The important thing is you send a message to your world, your God, your leagues of supporters in the spiritual realms, that you are setting out on your next adventure. They'll enthusiastically begin sliding into place all the means necessary to get you there.

Today as you run, review your New Year's resolution. As you do, ask for inner guidance as to how that would translate into an intention. Shift your focus from what you are leaving behind to what you are embracing.

(If you are running off roads and in a safe area, you can also try this: as you run consider, for even just a few minutes, what it is that you are changing/giving up/letting go of as your New Year's resolution. As you do, run backwards! You'll need to run slower, you'll feel more clumsy, and you'll be looking at what is behind you. After a few minutes, set your intention in the positive, and turn and begin to run forwards again. That's the difference between resolution and intention.

For me, this means that instead of "giving up sugar," (a classic resolution—and one that keeps me focused on the sugar), I am choosing to live my life "naturally sweetened" (keeps me on track with where I want to go).

You'll find more powerful tips on intention, and dozens of ways to energize your intentions and make them a reality this year, in my new book.