How do I pick intentions for a fresh start without ending up with vague resolutions?

Start with values, then translate them into controllable actions. 1) Name 3 values that matter for this new beginning (e.g., learning, health, connection). 2) For each, write a one-sentence intention that starts with a verb and is within your control: “Practice,” “Choose,” “Limit,” “Reach out.” 3) Add a context so it’s concrete: “Practice patience during morning commute,” “Choose water with lunch,” “Reach out to one colleague before 3 pm.” 4) Check fit with the Stoic dichotomy of control: if it depends on others’ reactions, reword it to focus on your behavior. In Stoic, jot these as your daily intentions and revisit which felt aligned and which need refining.

I’m afraid of failing again. How can I set intentions that feel realistic and still move me forward?

Use floor-and-ceiling intentions: the floor is the minimum you’ll do even on tough days; the ceiling is a stretch you’ll attempt when you have capacity. Example: “Floor: read 1 page; Ceiling: read 15.” Pair each with an if-then: “If I feel resistance, then I’ll do the floor.” This reduces all-or-nothing thinking and keeps momentum. In your Stoic entry, write one fear you have, one intention with a floor/ceiling, and one tiny first step you can do today. Keep the tone compassionate—progress over perfection.

What should I journal each day to keep my intentions aligned with this new beginning?

Try a simple daily template: 1) Intention of the day (1 sentence tied to a value). 2) One action I will take (time and place). 3) Likely obstacle + plan (If X happens, then I’ll Y). 4) Evening check: What did I do? What did I learn? What will I adjust? Use the same wording for a week to build consistency. In the Stoic app, open your daily entry with this template so your intentions stay visible and you can quickly reflect on alignment and small adjustments.

Journaling Idea - On Starting Over.

What intentions can you set for yourself that align with your new beginning?

Write down your goals for your personal growth and new priorities.

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Jun 21, 2024

Journal in Stoic

HowTo=target

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

Find hundreds of quotes, affirmations, lessons, guided journals, and so much more in stoic.

Natalia Łobodzińska

Head of Content at stoic.

Natalia oversees all content inside the Stoic app — from guided journals to daily prompts. She works closely with therapists and writers to make sure every word helps users reflect and grow. She also manages translations to keep the experience thoughtful and consistent across languages.

What intentions can you set for yourself that align with your new beginning?

Join the Minimal Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

More prompts on On Starting Over