Not that kind of naughty! But I am feeling a little rebellious around setting nice goals and intentions for the coming year. As a coach I should be all over that (there’s that should again). In that vein I decided to write this piece instead of “2015 Intentions for Wholehearted Living”. It’s not that I don’t think intention setting isn’t a lovely way to welcome the New Year, but may I suggest an alternative perspective?

If I could inspire you to do one thing, it would be to own your place in this world – to speak up, fight for causes and your beliefs, not to stand on ceremony or avoid conflict. It would be to spend a little cash on the vacation you’ve been dreaming-of or treat yourself to a Thai massage. I’m talking about doing more of what you love and stretching your inner comfort zone – however that looks for you.

If there’s one personal intention I’d like to set, it’s to continue showing up as Me. Or should I say, with more of me. Not the responsible, professional, upstanding version. I want to share the funny, rebellious, wisecracking Me. Also, the Me that inspires others to slow down, to pay attention to what lights them up and to speak kindly to themselves. I suppose writing this piece is my first step in that direction.

We often set intentions for the New Year that reflect the shoulds of our culture. We commit to weight loss and exercise programs, not because we love the idea of getting to the gym more often or that we desperately miss hot yoga class, but because of the value this culture places on youth and size. I often hear my solo-preneur clients talk about how they need to create more programs and social media campaigns. Not because they feel called to do so, but because they compare their productivity to what they perceive others are doing online; which leads me of one of my favorite Brené Brown quotes: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Yep!

And while we’re on the subject of naughty, why not consider more intimacy in 2015? Yea, that kind of naughty! More physical intimacy with your partner and/or more emotional intimacy with the people you love. More focus on what you really desire for the coming year and less on what’s expected of you.

So tell me, What’s your vision of naughty for 2015? PLEASE, I beg you not to say you plan to take your business to the next level.

Wishing you a Happy Holiday and a New Year filled with your deepest desires!

Intentionally yours,

Joan

photo:  nina weinberg doran