Resolutions are rigid. They call upon a certain hardness and lack of flexibility and give us a sense of “sticking to it—no matter what.” That’s why they fail. That’s why gyms are packed to the gills in January and back to normal by Valentine’s Day.

This rigidity is also a big part of why resolutions don’t feel good.

For the last few years, I’ve noticed a shift in the way that people talk about setting their goals at this time of the year. The impulse to reign in some of the wild abandon that sets in around the holidays is still present, and so is the intention to give a little bit of thought & structure to the seemingly blank slate of a new year stretched out before us. Yet, I’m also noticing that people are getting fed up with the rigid nature of resolutions and looking for a more compassionate (and long-lasting) way to imagine their goals and set their intentions.

Today’s episode begins with a moment of pause, as we ask our hearts what we really want in 2015. Then, I’ll talk a little bit about why starting with a heart-centered intention is so important, and how to use this intention to guide you in 2015.

(And I’ll be sending a free mini-course to everyone who’s subscribed to the psyche & soma email list, too! Listen to the episode for more info about what to expect, and make sure that you’re registered to receive it. Click here to get on the list if you’re not yet a member. It’s free.)