Make a Plan

Intention

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “intention” as a determination to act a certain way. In the next few weeks, chances are you will hear the word “resolution” tossed around in circles. “I resolve to…” “I’m really focused this year. My resolutions will include…” Yada. Yada. Yada. Maybe the particular goal is to quit smoking. To lose weight. To read the Bible more. Or, for most, it’s to lose the weight that they so desperately notice has gathered over years.

Gym owners report that business goes up every year after the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Then over a steady decline, gym memberships wane to pre-holiday numbers as quickly as the first week of March. In other words, money-making individuals pay money for a gym membership, only to give it up just weeks later.

So why give money away to be committed for only a few weeks?

To be fair, the question isn’t even considered until after the fact. There’s only so much money in one’s budget. You might think, “Yeah, but what about the person who is rich? She doesn’t have to worry about money!” But hear me out. Nine times out of ten that person who is considered rich by worldly standards is still concerned about income and debts. It’s just a bigger budget. And if she isn’t today, she will likely be concerned tomorrow. The job contract ends. She and husband divorce and split assets between the two. Etc. You get the idea.

So, back to the question. Why begin well but finish poorly? The answer may lie with intent. A person can have a tremendous amount of intent but no follow-through. Without goals or determination, actions don’t really matter.