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David Lawrence Centers

The Purpose in

Practice:

Setting Intentional Goals

for Wellness in 2026

By Jessica Liria,
Director of Prevention and Education
at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

s the new year begins, many of us Realign: Revisit your goals each month. Are they still aligned
feel compelled to set resolutions – to with your priorities and well-being? Adjust with compassion.
Aeat healthier, get organized or finally Release Perfection: Intentional living is about progress, not
start that project we’ve been putting off. But perfection. Celebrate small wins and view setbacks as opportunities
what if instead of focusing on what we want to realign.
to do, we focused on how we want to live? Living with intention doesn’t require sweeping change; it
January is National Be on Purpose thrives in simple, consistent moments of mindfulness. Try starting
Month, an opportunity to pause and each day by asking “what do I want to create or contribute today?”
reflect on our intentions. Celebrated annually, National Be on End your day by reflecting on what felt meaningful or aligned with
Purpose Month is a reminder that living with purpose doesn’t your values.
require grand resolutions or perfect plans. Instead, it begins with Being intentional can take many forms:
small, mindful choices that nurture mental wellness, strengthen Taking a deep breath when responding in a difficult
relationships and align actions with what truly matters most. conversation.
At the DLC Wellness Institute, we believe that intentional Setting boundaries around technology to protect your peace.
living and mental health are deeply intertwined. When we Prioritizing rest when your body and mind need it.
focus on living with purpose, we can move away from constant Starting the morning with gratitude instead of urgency.
comparison and focus on cultivating gratitude and self-awareness. Setting weekly intentions or keeping a purpose journal.
That mindfulness not only reduces stress but also enhances Each of these small acts strengthens the foundation of mental
resilience and emotional balance, key components of mental wellness, reminding us that self-care is not selfish; it’s essential.
wellness. These quiet commitments can have a powerful ripple effect on
While the start of the new year often brings motivation for mental and emotional wellness.
change, resolutions can sometimes feel overwhelming or short- National Be on Purpose Month is a timely invitation to pause,
lived. Intentional goals offer a more sustainable approach, and realign and renew your sense of direction. But intentional living
research has shown people who set mindful, values-based goals doesn’t end in January, it’s a lifelong practice of making conscious
experience lower levels of stress and anxiety. When goals are choices that honor your wellbeing. When we live with intention,
grounded in intention, they often feel less like obligations and every decision, big or small, becomes an opportunity to care for our
more like acts of self-respect. mental health and create a life that feels purposeful, grounded and
Here’s how to make your goals more intentional this year: authentically our own.
Reflect: Ask yourself what truly matters right now. What To learn more about the work DLC is doing to provide lifesaving
do you want to feel more of — peace, connection, confidence, and life-changing behavioral health care to those in need,
balance? visit DLCenters.org
Reframe: Turn broad resolutions into meaningful actions.
Instead of “I’ll exercise more,” try “I’ll move my body to feel
stronger and reduce stress.”

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