Gentle Beginnings: Setting Creative Intentions Without Pressure.
It’s that time again—the season of bold intentions and shiny new resolutions. For the first few months, you might be on a total roll. But often, somewhere around the end of the first quarter, that gym membership, that strict diet, or those lofty goals start to sunset.
Procrastination, mental exhaustion, or the sheer pressure of sustaining an “overhauled” life starts to take its toll. Before we know it, we stop. And then, the weight of regret quietly replaces the ambitious joy we felt on January 1st.
If I’ve learned one thing, it’s this: Joy must be the ingredient, not just the reward. When it comes to goal setting, the loudest critic is usually the one in the mirror. Even as we move toward a “soft era” of our lives, that transition needs to begin in a place that feels safe, not strained.
“Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.”
So, instead of a rigid blueprint, let’s start light. Let’s set intentions in a way that feels like play. Here are three simple, creative ways to settle into your year without the pressure of “perfection.”
1. The Curiosity List (Instead of a Goal List)
Rather than writing what you must achieve, write what you want to explore. Curiosity removes the pressure to succeed and gives you permission to wander.
The Prompt: This year, I’m curious about…
• The Inspiration: A color I keep returning to.
• A creative medium I haven’t touched in years.
• A rhythm of movement that feels calmer.
• A habit I’ve been resisting (and why).
The Twist: Revisit this list every three months. Circle what is still calling to you and let the rest fade away.
2. The “Vibe” Moodboard
Sometimes words are too heavy. Instead of writing down “Lose weight” or “Work harder,” look for the feeling you want to inhabit.
The Prompt: What does my “soft era” actually look like?
The Action: Collect five images that represent the energy you want to feel. Maybe it’s a photo of a sun-drenched reading nook, a pair of well-worn hiking boots, or a table full of friends.
Why it works: It focuses on the internal state rather than the external output. If a goal doesn’t lead toward that feeling, it doesn’t belong on your list.
3. The Seasonal “Slow-Goal”
We often try to change our entire lives in January, the coldest and darkest month for many of us. Instead, try setting a goal that only lasts for one season.
The Prompt: What does my soul need right now, just for this winter?
The Examples:
Winter: Perfecting one nourishing soup recipe.
Spring: Visiting one new local park every Sunday.
Why it works: A three-month commitment feels like an experiment rather than a life sentence. When the season changes, you’re allowed to become someone new.
A Gentle Reminder:
You don’t have to arrive at your destination by February. Give yourself the grace to move slowly, to stay curious, and to protect your peace.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that.
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What is one thing you are genuinely curious about this month? I’d love to hear your “soft goals” in the comments.