Setting intentions in spring

January 1st, the day to work on your New Year's resolutions and kick-start the new year. We are used to setting intentions at the beginning of the year, in the middle of winter. Winter is all about slowing down, cocooning, and reflection. So, spring is actually a much better time to set intentions; you feel the urge to get moving again, make plans, and go outside. The sun reappears, and the days are longer again. Spring also represents renewal, rebirth, and growth. A time for transformation. How do you start with your intentions?
 

Spring Equinox

There are two equinoxes per year, in autumn and in spring. This means that from that moment, the sun is directly above the equator and marks the point at which spring (or autumn) begins. In 2024, spring begins on March 20th. This can vary annually from approximately March 19th to 22nd.
 

Setting Intentions

A good intention gives you direction, but it differs from a goal. A goal is very results-oriented, while an intention is an invitation to explore and discover. Both play an important role; choose what feels best for you. And especially, make use of the new, fresh energy that comes with spring! Grab your notebook, create a pleasant moment (outdoors), and write down your intentions or goals for the coming year!
 

Keep it Small

Choose steps that match where you are now. Going from 0 to 100 usually isn't a lasting commitment and can be discouraging. Go for mini-steps that you know you can maintain.
 

Make it Specific

Describe your goals in a way that you know whether you have achieved them. To give you an example: ‘I exercise for an hour 3 times a week’ instead of ‘I'm going to exercise more often’. Also, consider the tip above: choose a step that suits where you are now. It's great to be ambitious; you can also choose this as your ultimate goal. So: for the next three months, I will exercise for an hour twice a week. My intention is to build that up to 4 times a week throughout this year.

Your Intention or Goal

Check with yourself if these are truly your intentions, or if you're just writing them down because you think it's 'what you should do'. For example, in your career, family, or with friends, certain expectations come into play. Look at yourself and identify what important elements you find in your life and where you want to invest your attention and energy right now.

More Instead of Less

Less couch potato-ing, less unhealthy eating, less time on your phone – these are all good plans. But perhaps you can also focus on something you will do more of. So, more going outside, more creative activities, more dancing, more time with friends around the table, more playing games, instead of reducing. This will happen automatically if you spend more time on other goals.

Have Fun!

If you already feel heavy-hearted about your intentions or goals from the start, it's a good idea to revise them and see which elements make you feel good. So that you are eager to start and throw yourself into them with pleasure!