Setting Intentions for 2026
Setting Intentions!
I first wrote about setting intentions back in 2018 and it’s a practice I’ve continued ever since, both in my own life and in my work with clients. Over the years, I’ve noticed that intentions have become far more popular than traditional goal setting or New Year’s resolutions, and for very good reason.
There are certain times of year when reflection feels almost instinctive, the New Year, the start of Spring, the transition into Autumn. These natural cycles invite us to pause, take stock, and consider how we want to move forward, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Many of us have experienced the temptation to completely overhaul our lives overnight. New routine, new body, new mindset and all by Monday. But, real, sustainable change rarely works that way. In movement practices like Pilates and Somalates®, we understand this deeply. Progress comes from awareness, consistency, and responding to the body, not forcing it.
Reflection allows us to learn from what has been, and from that place we can begin to set intentions that feel realistic, embodied, and supportive.
Change Is Natural, Pressure Is Optional
There is nothing wrong with wanting change. In fact, change is part of being human. You weren’t designed to be static, otherwise you’d be a rock.
Our bodies are designed to adapt. The nervous system is designed to respond. In Somalates®, we work gently and intelligently with this adaptability, while Pilates gives us structure, strength, and clarity of movement. Together, they offer a powerful framework for change that is both supportive and sustainable.
Where we often come unstuck is in the pressure we place on ourselves, rigid goals, strict resolutions, or “all-or-nothing” thinking. And when life inevitably intervenes, a missed class, a busy week, an injury, illness, or simple fatigue, how do we feel? Usually pretty cr*ppy.
Traditional resolutions can leave us feeling like we’ve failed, which can be disheartening and demotivating. From a nervous system perspective, this isn’t helpful. Shame and self-criticism don’t create change, awareness and kindness do.
Why Intentions Are More Embodied
This is why I encourage setting intentions rather than resolutions.
An intention allows space. It invites curiosity instead of judgement. If you miss a session, you don’t “fail” you simply return. If your body needs something different, you listen and adapt.
This is exactly how we work in Pilates and Somalates®. We don’t chase perfection. We explore quality of movement, breath, alignment, and sensation. We meet the body where it is, not where we think it should be.
Life will always happen while we’re making plans, so our intentions must be flexible enough to move with us.
The 80% Rule- Progress Without Pressure
One principle I often share with clients is the 80% rule.
If you’re achieving around 80%, you’re doing brilliantly. While 100% consistency sounds appealing, it’s rarely realistic and often adds unnecessary pressure.
For example, if your intention is to move your body five times a week, hitting four is still a success. That consistency still builds strength, mobility, confidence, and resilience without overwhelming your system. In movement, as in life, something is always better than nothing.
Letting Go of the “I’ll Be Happy When…” Trap
How often have you thought, “If I could just be fitter / stronger / more flexible / more disciplined, everything would be better”?
And when you got there, was it?
Often, the goalposts simply move. This is why intentions focus less on the end result and more on how you want to feel in your body and in your life. Pilates and Somalates® teach us that the process itself is where the real benefits lie… increased awareness, confidence, ease of movement, and connection to self.
Five Ways to Work with Intentions (the Pilates & Somalates® Way)
Have something to aim for
Choose an intention that matters to you and break it into small, manageable steps.If life happens, don’t beat yourself up
Pause, reset, and begin again, just as you would in a movement practice.Take a step back
If it’s not urgent or life-threatening, breathe, soften, and move on.Be kinder to yourself
Your body listens. Your nervous system responds. Choose supportive self-talk.Stay open to unexpected outcomes
You may not arrive exactly where you planned, but you might discover something even better along the way.
Ready to Set Your Intentions in Motion?
If one of your intentions for the New Year is to move more, feel stronger, improve flexibility, or reconnect with your body, Pilates is a wonderful place to start.
At Serendipity Wellness®, our Pilates and Somalates® classes offer a supportive, intelligent, and welcoming environment, whether you’re completely new or returning to movement after a break.
✨ New Year, new intention
If you’d like to join a Pilates class, explore workshops, or take time out at one of our events, I’d love to support you.
👉 Get in touch to book your place or find out what’s right for you 💌
Sometimes, the most powerful changes begin with simply showing up just as you are.
#pilates #somalates #intentions #newyear
Tracy Richardson MSc is a movement and wellness specialist with a background in therapy, Pilates, and wellbeing, she combines evidence-based practice with a nurturing, mindful approach. Tracy’s mission is to empower individuals to move with awareness, release tension, and cultivate sustainable health, strength, and inner calm. When she’s not teaching or writing, you’ll often find her walking her dog, practising Pilates, or sipping a calming cup of tea.
