(MOV Parent - Hand in Hand with Patrick Ward - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

This is the month for making resolutions. A resolution is a firm decision to do something. I don’t want to write about whether or not resolutions are effective in making change. I want to encourage you rather to think about what kind of person you want to be. With that in mind, I use the word intention rather than resolution. An example of a resolution is “I want to run a marathon in 2025”. An example of an intention is “I want to be a runner.” An intention is a planned purpose. When the intention is acted on, it becomes identity. If you start running, you are a runner. If you practice your piano, you are a musician.

In the book Atomic Habits, James Clear offers a practical two-step process for making intentional change in your life. “1). Decide the type of person you want to be. 2). Prove it to yourself with small wins.” So let’s say you have decided that you want to lose weight in 2025. Start by asking yourself; What kind of person do you want to be? You might answer “I’m the kind of person who makes healthy eating choices.” or “I’m the kind of person who takes care of myself.” If you have decided you want to save more money, then you have to ask yourself: What kind of person saves in ways that I currently do not? Maybe the answer is the kind of person who follows a budget, or doesn’t make impulse purchases.

The next step is to put those intentional behaviors into practice. Make them into habits. Who is the type of person that is healthy? The kind of person who makes healthy choices. We must recognize that illness, injury, and disease can be significant barriers to health. However, to the extent that you have choices, are you making healthy choices and practices? When thinking about healthy life practices, use the acronym PIER. A pier is a solid support anchored into a foundation. The foundation of your life is your values and intentions. The pier is your set of practices that come from those values and intentions.

P – Physical

I – Intellectual

E – Emotional

R – Relational

Physical: This includes any practices for your body health including sleep hygiene, diet, exercise, and even taking your medications as prescribed. Practice good hygiene. Get your body moving. Get outside!

Intellectual: Healthy people are always challenging themselves mentally. This includes learning a new skill or continually improving a creative outlet. Stay open to new ideas and opportunities. Remain curious.

Emotional: The more in tune you can be with your self, the better you will function. Being aware of your emotions allows you to make better choices and you’ll be less likely to engage in unhealthy coping such as over-eating, addictions, or isolation. One good question to ask yourself when you are in distress is “what is the kindest thing I can for myself right now?”.

Relational: We have a relationship with our self, others, and God. Avoid isolating. Its not healthy, because its about avoiding vulnerability. Solitude can be helpful, because it is not about avoiding people but it is about being present with yourself. Practice spending time with others. Be curious about them and listen to them. Share yourself with others, but know your limits. Be respectful and set boundaries that teach others to respect you. Practice forgiveness. Be mindful of your spiritual nature.

Intentionally working on the four domains of PIER will make anyone an improved version of themselves. You will have more life fulfillment, confidence, and resilience. If you invest in yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally, and relationally you will appreciate the results and so will everyone around you!