Move with intention: put your New Year’s resolution into action
Not sure where you stand on New Year Resolutions, but I find it’s a good time to set a few intentions for the year ahead. Have you taken some time out over the summer to think about what your year ahead might look like?
I’m trying hard to avoid the usual cliched resolutions – drink less wine, eat less chocolate, buy fewer clothes, spend less time scrolling on my phone – though I think I should probably do those things anyway. This year, I’m setting my intentions for movement.
Equip yourself to care for you and for those you love
Perhaps it’s something to do with reaching a ‘certain age’. Having elderly parents has also made me reflect on the importance of health to our quality of life.
A reasonably fit friend of mine recently put her back out trying to move her elderly mother from a wheelchair to her car. It can happen so easily.
My big goal is to live as long as I can by keeping in good shape. And that means I need to keep moving.
As I get older, movement – Pilates practice in particular - is my insurance policy. I know it’s not foolproof. But it’s something that’s in my control. It’s a commitment I can hold onto, knowing I’ll feel better for it.
Fancy joining me in my plan to move with intention?
What does it mean to ‘move with intention’?
Moving with Intention is all about reflecting on what you need, what’s important, what’s possible – and what will bring you joy.
The first step is to reflect. To move with intention means to think about what your body needs.
Are there specific changes you’d like to see?
Are there areas on your body where you’d like to build strength?
What’s most important to you, and where do you think you’d get to most benefit?
Reflecting on these things, you’ll start your movement journey with purpose and focus.
Why building small habits makes a big difference
Deciding to move with intention means committing to new habits. And when I think about what it takes to build a new habit, I reflect on some of the ideas in James Clear’s best-selling book Atomic Habits.
Atomic Habits is a “comprehensive, practical guide on changing your habits and getting 1% better daily”. One quote from the book that I liked was this one:
“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves, and branches grow.”
I love the idea of moving step by step towards my goal. Making tiny improvements every day in how strong I feel and how flexible I’m becoming.
In my Pilates classes, I see how people achieve their goals over time. Their sense of achievement and their joy is contagious. It’s a big part of the reason I love teaching.
The book also discusses the importance of deciding who you’d like to be. This provides a solid base for action and will help you reach your goal of moving with intention.
Making your intention for movement easy and fun
Changing the way you think or act can be a challenge. That’s why it makes sense to make it easier to achieve your goal and try and smooth the way. Here are a few ideas:
Common ways of putting your intention into action, particularly when it comes to exercise, is to do it with a friend. Or join a friendly, welcoming group (like my Pilates classes).
To make your movement intention a habit, put the time aside and commit to doing that activity regularly. Have whatever you need to take with your ready to go (active wear/mat/towel/change of clothes).
Reward yourself with something nice when you achieve one of your goals.
And don’t beat yourself up if you miss a class or session. Get back on track next time. If something unavoidable gets in the way, be prepared to adjust your expectations.
Pilates practice is all about deciding to move with intention. By taking it slow and learning the right way to move, not only will you avoid injury, but you’ll also build the strength and flexibility you need to enjoy your life, every day.