Intentions, not resolutions

I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.

As the New Year approaches, there's a lot of talk about resolutions— in that, many scoff at them. It’s just an arbitrary line in the sand of time, etc etc. I’m wired a little differently. I LOVE the end of the year, as it’s a time to pause, look back, and map out how we want to show up in the next period of our lives.

Beyond Resolutions

I believe there's immense value in setting intentions, especially when it comes to the relationships that enrich our jobs, careers, and lives. While resolutions often get abandoned by February, intentions are different. They're about how you want to show up in the world and in your relationships. They're not about what you do, but who you are and how you connect with others.

Setting Relationship Intentions

This year, instead of the usual resolutions, why not set intentions for your relationships? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Be Present: In a world of constant distractions, make an intention to be fully present in your interactions. Whether it's a business meeting or a casual coffee with a friend, give them your full attention (phone away, not even face down).

2. Listen More: Resolve to listen more than you speak [ed note: Zvi, please don’t use the “two ears one mouth” line, you cheeseball]. You'll be amazed at what you learn and the connections you can deepen when you really listen to what others have to say.

3. Reach Out Regularly: Set an intention to reach out to someone in your network every week. It could be a quick check-in, a note of congratulations, or a message of support. Just… show you care about them.

4. Express Gratitude: Make it a habit to regularly express gratitude to those in your network. A simple thank you can go a long way in strengthening your relationships.

5. Be Open to New Connections: While it's important to nurture existing relationships, be open to making new ones. You never know where a new connection might lead.

Remembering Our Shared Humanity

As you set these intentions, remember that at the end of the day, we're all just humans navigating this journey together. Whether it’s in our business, our neighborhoods, or the world at large, much of our ills come from us forgetting or ignoring our shared humanity. Each interaction is an opportunity to not just advance our own goals but to enrich each other's lives, to share a moment of understanding, or to offer support.

So, as we welcome the New Year, let's do so with an open heart and a commitment to see the human in everyone we meet. Let's build relationships not just on the potential of what we can do for each other, but on the foundation of shared humanity. The world needs you.

With much love and a year of intentional relationships and endless possibilities, -Zvi

BTW - If you’re feeling more reflective after reading this, try my end of year review.