January 1, the day to work on your good intentions and enter the new year with a kick-start. We are used to setting intentions at the beginning of the year, in the middle of winter. Winter is all about slowing down, cocooning and reflection. So actually spring is a much nicer time to set intentions, you feel the need to get moving again, make plans and get outside. The sun is coming out again and the days are longer again. Spring also represents renewal, rebirth and growth. A time for transformation. How do you begin your intentions?
 

Spring Equinox

Twice a year there is an equinox, in autumn and spring. This means that from that time the sun is perpendicular above the equator, marking the point at which spring (or autumn) begins. In 2024, spring begins on March 20. This can vary from year to year from about March 19 to March 22.
 

Setting intentions

A good intention gives you direction, but differs from a goal. A goal is very result-oriented an intention is an invitation to explore and discover. Both have a beautiful role, choose for you what is most pleasing. And above all, take advantage of the new, fresh energy that comes with spring! Grab your notebook, take a nice moment (outdoors) and write down your intentions or goals for the coming year!
 

Keep it small

Choose steps that fit where you are now. Going from 0 to 100 is usually not a long-term relationship and can be discouraging. Go for mini steps that you know you can sustain.
 

Make it specific

Describe your goals in a way that you will know if you have done it. To give you an example: 'I will exercise 3 times a week for an hour' instead of 'I will exercise more often'. Include the above tip in this as well, choose a step that fits with where you are now. It is nice to be ambitious, you can also choose this as an end goal. So: in the next three months I will exercise twice a week for an hour. My intention is to build that up to 4x a week during this year.

Your intention or goal

Check with yourself if these are really your intentions, or if you are just writing it down because you think it is the way it should be. For example, in your career, family or with friends, there are some expectations. Check with yourself what you consider important elements in your life and where you want to put your attention and energy right now.

More instead of less

Less couch hopping, less unhealthy eating, less on your phone, these are all good plans. But maybe you can also focus on something you will do more. So more going outside, more creative activities, more dancing, more hanging out with friends, doing more games, instead of cutting back. This will be automatic as you spend more time on other goals.

Have fun!

If you are already looking at your intentions or goals with a heavy heart from the beginning, it is a good idea to revise them and see which elements make you feel fine. So that you feel like getting started on them and enjoy throwing yourself at them!