Introduction

As we step into a new year, the concept of a fresh start feels especially invigorating. For me, the start of each new year represents a chance to reflect, reset, and intentionally set new goals for my personal life as well as my small handmade jewelry business. The past few years have been filled with growth, learning, and overcoming challenges, but as we move into 2025, I’m excited about what lies ahead.

A fresh start isn’t just about a clean slate—it’s about having a vision for where you want to go and then putting steps in place to get there. For Anam Cara Clay Goods, that means making intentional decisions about how I approach creativity, business strategy, and my connection to you—the community. As we embrace 2025, I want to grow Anam Cara Clay Goods, stay true to my mission, and continue sharing my love for creating jewelry.

What’s the Deal with Resolutions?

There’s often pressure to make resolutions at the new year—lists of goals we aim to achieve in the upcoming months. I’ll be blunt and honest: I dislike resolutions. Even the word itself feels annoying and self-defeating. I’ve never found them helpful in my own life, and I don’t think they’re the right fit for Anam Cara Clay Goods either. In theory, resolutions sound great—they give you something concrete to aim for. But in practice, I’ve found that they lack the foundation I need to actually succeed. Resolutions are often rigid, with little room for flexibility. They feel black and white, with no gray area, and for someone like me who navigates a constantly changing environment, that simply doesn’t work. I prefer to be prepared with multiple scenarios or paths that can help me reach a goal, allowing for growth and adaptation along the way. For me, and maybe this is something you can relate to as well, setting intentions feels more aligned with how I approach life and business.

While resolutions can be relatively motivating, I’ve chosen to approach this new year with a different mindset: setting intentions instead of resolutions. Rather than focusing solely on a specific outcome or destination, I’m prioritizing the process, the journey, and how I show up each day.

This approach might be going against everything I learned in business school—the SMART goals, the specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that are drilled into you as the "right" way to succeed. And you know what? I’m okay with that. While those frameworks are helpful, they don’t quite resonate with the way I want to live and grow my business. Setting intentions feels right for me—it's more manageable and gentle, and it leaves space for the ebbs and flows of life and business. Don’t get me wrong, I have goals, ambitions, and a clear vision for how I want Anam Cara Clay Goods to evolve, along with very specific plans to reach those milestones. But for me, the journey of getting there—the learning, the experimenting, and the growth—is just as important as the destination. So, here’s how I plan on setting intentions this year for Anam Cara Clay Goods, allowing room for flexibility, creativity, and a whole lot of grace.

Section 1: The Difference Between Intentions and Resolutions

Intentions and resolutions may sound similar, but they have distinct differences that can significantly impact how we approach both life and business. Resolutions are typically specific, measurable, and often rigid goals that come with the pressure of achieving a defined outcome within a set time frame. In the context of owning a small business, resolutions might look like "I will increase sales by 20% this year" or "I will double my product line." While these goals can be both realistic and understandable, they can also be stressful and discouraging when circumstances inevitably change or things don’t go as planned. The strict nature of resolutions leaves little room for flexibility, which is something that every small business owner, like myself, knows is essential. After all, the entrepreneurial journey is rarely a straight line—there are always unexpected challenges and opportunities that require adaptability.

In contrast, intentions focus more on the HOW rather than the WHAT. They offer a sense of direction without the pressure of perfection. Setting intentions in business allows us to approach growth with an open mind and a sense of ease. For example, instead of resolving to double sales, an intention might be "I want to create more meaningful connections with my customers" or "I will embrace experimentation and creativity in my product development." This mindset opens up space for innovation, learning, and organic growth, without feeling boxed in by unattainable targets. When you focus on intentions, you acknowledge the process and the journey, which is vital for the sustainability of a small business. Intentions help guide your actions and decisions while allowing room for adaptation, making them a more manageable and holistic approach to both business and personal growth.

The entrepreneurial journey…

is rarely a straight line—there are always unexpected challenges and opportunities that require adaptability.

Why I’m Choosing Intentions Over Resolutions

Setting intentions allows for more grace and flexibility, which is so important in our ever-changing lives. The beauty of intentions is that they can evolve over time. Life can take unexpected turns, and with resolutions, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed if circumstances change or goals aren’t met exactly as planned. Intentions, however, can shift with you. They provide the foundation for growth without the rigidity that can often lead to discouragement.

With intentions, the emphasis is on the journey—not just the end result. It's about the small steps, the shifts in mindset, and the lessons learned along the way. The pressure to constantly check things off a list can often overshadow the beauty of progress itself. Intentions encourage us to be present and mindful in each moment, rather than fixating on what’s next.

Let Me Be Clear About Something

I want to make it clear that I’m not saying resolutions or measurable goals are bad. In fact, as a business, goal setting and planning are incredibly important for growth and direction. Numbers, targets, and benchmarks help us stay focused and track progress, and they have their place in any solid business strategy. However, in today’s fast-paced culture, especially for small business owners, the rigidity of these frameworks can be downright overwhelming—particularly for those without a business background, or even for people like me who have one. When the pressure to meet specific, time-bound goals starts to feel suffocating, it can freeze us in our tracks, leaving us uncertain and unsure of how to move forward. And that’s a place no small business owner wants to be.

My point here is simple: find what works for you. I’m still figuring this out myself. I’m constantly working through a formula in my head to determine what makes sense for me and my business, and that formula is always evolving. I’ve found that setting intentions helps me better manage the chaos that often swirls around in my head. As small business owners, we wear so many hats every day, and staying organized while keeping our sanity intact can feel like a delicate balance. That’s why I believe the rigidity of traditional business principles needs to have room for flexibility—so we can stay grounded while navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.

Section 2: Be Mindful of Where You Want to Go and How You Want to Show Up

As a small business owner, setting intentions for the year is about more than just outlining goals or targets—it’s about being mindful of where you want to go and how you want to show up along the way. The start of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on your personal and professional journey, taking a step back to envision the path ahead with clarity and intention. For Anam Cara Clay Goods, this means considering not only the products I want to create but also the energy and values I want to infuse into every aspect of the business. It’s about deciding how I want to show up for my customers, my community, and myself—what type of creator and entrepreneur I want to be. By setting intentions with purpose, I can ensure that each decision and action throughout the year aligns with the vision I hold for both my business and my life.

Setting Intentions…

it’s about being mindful of where you want to go and how you want to show up along the way.

When I set intentions for the year, I make it a point to ask myself a set of guiding questions that help me. These questions aren’t about creating a rigid to-do list—they’re about checking in with myself and aligning my actions with my values and vision.

6 Questions to Guide Your Intentions

1) What is my overall vision for this year? (This helps me zoom out and get a sense of the bigger picture).

“My vision is to continue expanding my collection of unique, handcrafted jewelry while deepening the connection with my community of customers. I want to bring even more meaning to my designs, creating pieces that tell stories and inspire joy.”

2) How do I want to feel throughout this year? (I reflect on the emotions I want to cultivate, both in my business and personal life).

“I want to feel grounded, creative, and balanced. As a business owner, it’s easy to feel pulled in a million directions, so I want to prioritize moments of calm and inspiration to stay aligned with my purpose.”

3) What kind of impact do I want to have? (This keeps me focused on the legacy I want to build, both for my business and my community).

“I want to create a lasting impact on my community by fostering a sense of belonging and connection through my jewelry. Whether it's through collaborations or supporting causes I care about, I aim to inspire others to embrace their creativity and individuality.”

4) What can I let go of that no longer serves me or my business? (This question invites release and clears the space for growth).

“I’m realizing I need to let go of perfectionism. It’s important to acknowledge that progress often involves trial and error, and I need to give myself permission to experiment and adjust without the fear of making mistakes.”

5) How do I want to show up for my customers and myself? (This ensures that my actions are intentional, both in terms of customer relationships and self-care).

“I want to show up with transparency, kindness, and a true commitment to quality. For myself, I aim to show up with self-compassion, giving myself grace during busy times while ensuring I’m prioritizing my well-being.”

6) What’s one small thing I can do today that aligns with my intention? (I end with a concrete step, which keeps me grounded and gives me a clear starting point).

“Today, I can work on completing a new design that I’ve been excited about and share it with my followers on social media. It’s a small step that will help me move closer to my vision while staying connected to my audience.”

These questions help me get clear on my purpose and guide me in making decisions that feel authentic to my journey. By reflecting on the “how” and “why*”, I am better able to show up with intention, knowing that the process is just as meaningful as the destination. This mindfulness keeps me grounded as I move forward, allowing for flexibility without losing sight of what truly matters to me.

Intentions are NOT an excuse to Ignore Responsibilities

It’s important to remember that setting intentions is not an excuse to ignore responsibilities or procrastinate. Believe me, I know how often my inner critic says, "Well, you intended to do this, but once again, you let it slide." That’s where the difference between intentions and resolutions really comes into play. Setting intentions gives us a framework—a game board with multiple routes to success. It’s not about setting a rigid path that must be followed to the letter; it’s about being prepared for detours. If one road gets blocked, we can turn around and try another route. This flexibility offers us both grace and forgiveness when things don’t work out as planned. In essence, being intentional is like recalculating your route on Google Maps—you stay focused on your destination but remain open to the best way to get there.

The word “intention” itself means a plan or purpose behind an action, and while it’s vital to show up for that purpose, it’s equally important to follow through. Following through on our intentions, even if it requires a bit of recalculation, ensures we remain aligned with our goals while respecting the natural ebbs and flows of life and business. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress—and keeping the momentum going, even when the road ahead isn’t straight.

Being intentional…

is like recalculating your route on Google Maps—you stay focused on your destination but remain open to the best way to get there.

The Harmful Effects of Unclear Intentions

Not having a clear intention-setting approach for your business in the new year can lead to confusion, frustration, and stagnation. Without clear intentions, you might find yourself bouncing from one idea to another without making meaningful progress. A clear intention is specific, purposeful, flexible, and aligned with your values and goals. It provides direction while leaving room for growth and adjustment along the way. In contrast, unclear intentions are vague, undefined, or overly rigid, leaving you feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Here are five signs your intentions may not be clear and how to fix them:

You feel lost or directionless: If you can’t pinpoint where you want to go, take some time to step back and reconnect with your vision and values. Revisit your "why" and create more defined goals.
You’re constantly overwhelmed with options: This can happen when your goals feel too broad or scattered. Narrow down your focus to 2–3 key areas you want to prioritize and create smaller, actionable steps.
You feel like you're spinning your wheels without making progress: Set measurable milestones to track progress, ensuring you can see tangible results over time.
You find yourself procrastinating: If you’re avoiding tasks or decisions, it might mean you’re unclear on the specific actions to take. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and focus on one step at a time.
You often change course or abandon plans: If you’re constantly switching paths, your intentions might lack clarity and commitment. Take a step back to re-evaluate your goals and stay focused on a path that aligns with your bigger vision.
Taking the time to clarify your intentions will not only give you a sense of direction but also ensure that every action you take is purposeful, meaningful, and aligned with your vision for success.

Section 3: Reflecting on the Past Year—Honoring Your Journey

As we move forward into a new year, it's just as important to take a moment to reflect on the year gone by. Reflection is a powerful tool for growth, as it allows us to look back and appreciate all that we’ve accomplished, while also identifying areas where we can improve. Reflecting on your business journey—the successes, challenges, and yes, even the failures—gives you a clearer understanding of where you stand and how far you’ve come.

For me, reflecting is a chance to truly honor the work I’ve done and the lessons I’ve learned. It’s not about criticizing myself, but rather about acknowledging the wins and growth, while also giving myself grace for the moments that didn’t go as planned. This process of reflection helps me create a foundation from which I can move forward with a more intentional mindset.

Here’s a simple Reflection Tool that I use to help evaluate and reflect on the past year for Anam Cara Clay Goods. If you’re looking for a way to review your own small business journey, I hope these five questions will help guide your reflections:

Reflection Tool: 5 Questions to Evaluate Your Small Business Journey

What were my biggest wins this past year?
Celebrate the successes, big and small. What did you achieve that made you proud? Did you reach a business milestone or launch a new collection? Reflect on what felt good and energizing.
What were my biggest challenges or setbacks?
No business journey is without its hurdles. What obstacles did you face that made things more difficult? Were there lessons to be learned from these moments? How can you apply these lessons in the future?
What goals did I set last year, and did I accomplish them?
Review the specific goals you set for the year. Were they realistic? Did you achieve them, and if not, what stopped you from reaching them? Understanding why something worked (or didn’t) is key to adjusting your approach for the future.
What worked well in my business, and what didn’t?
Take note of the strategies, marketing efforts, or techniques that had the best impact. On the flip side, which areas didn’t bring the results you expected? This can give you insights into what to focus on in the coming year.
What personal growth did I experience as a business owner?
Your business is a reflection of you as an entrepreneur. Reflect on how you’ve grown personally—skills you’ve developed, ways you’ve pushed yourself, and how your mindset has evolved.

These questions aren’t meant to judge or criticize, but rather to help you understand where you’ve been, so you can better plan for where you want to go. Taking the time to evaluate your year can provide clarity and set the stage for a more intentional, mindful approach to your goals in the year ahead.

Being connected…

to your “why” is absolutely pivotal when clarifying your vision for your business in the new year.

Section 4: Clarify Your Business Vision for the Year Ahead

Setting intentions is a powerful way to clarify your business vision for the year ahead, especially when you're navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of running a small business. Unlike rigid resolutions, intentions offer flexibility, allowing you to adapt as you go while staying grounded in your overarching goals. When you set clear intentions, you create a roadmap that guides you, but with room to adjust and grow.

Here are five tips for clarifying your business vision for the year:

Visualize the bigger picture — take time to picture where you want your business to be by the end of the year, considering both your personal and professional growth.
Identify core values — define the principles that will guide your decisions and actions throughout the year.
Prioritize what matters most — choose a few key areas, such as customer relationships, product development, or marketing, to focus your energy on.
Embrace flexibility — acknowledge that plans may change, and trust in your ability to pivot when necessary.
Stay connected to your "why" — remind yourself why you started your business and what it means to you, ensuring that your intentions align with your passion and purpose.

Setting these intentional goals helps you stay grounded while navigating the ebb and flow of business life.

What is Your Why…and Why it Matters

Being connected to your "why" is absolutely pivotal when clarifying your vision for your business in the new year. Your "why" is the heart of your business—it’s what keeps you grounded and motivated, especially during the challenging moments when things get tough. It’s the driving force that gets you out of bed in the morning, pushes you to keep creating, and fuels your passion for sharing your art with the world. If you can’t answer your "why," then I encourage you to stop everything for a moment and take the time to figure it out before moving forward with setting intentions. Knowing your "why" is the foundation for every goal, every project, and every decision you make in your business. If you don't have a clear understanding of why you do what you do, it's easy to lose focus or become overwhelmed by the day-to-day chaos. So, if you're feeling unsure, take a step back, dig deep, and reconnect with what drives you.

Here are five pieces of advice I would give in figuring out your "why":

Reflect on your passions — What excites you about your craft? Dive deep into what sparks joy and inspiration in your work.
Identify your core values — What principles guide you? Your "why" often stems from what you believe in and want to contribute to the world.
Consider the impact you want to have — How do you want your art or business to positively affect others? Your "why" might be connected to how you want to inspire or serve your customers.
Look back at your journey — Review the moments that fueled your decision to start your business. Your past experiences often hold the key to understanding your "why."
Ask yourself tough questions — What would you do even if you weren’t getting paid? What would you miss if it were gone?

These answers can help you understand your true purpose. Once you clarify your "why," it will make the process of setting intentions much easier and more meaningful because you’ll be working toward something that truly resonates with you.

Section 5: Intentions and Finances

Setting intentions for your financial goals in the new year can be tricky because, unlike other areas of your business, finances often require specific, detailed, and measurable steps that seem to contradict the flexible nature of intention-setting. However, the beauty of setting intentions for your finances is that it allows you to approach your financial goals with a sense of mindfulness, balance, and flexibility. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about aligning your financial actions with your overall vision and business values. While financial goals need to be specific, setting intentions for them means being open to adjusting your approach as needed and being realistic about your resources and limitations. When setting financial intentions, consider these five things:

What is your overall revenue goal? – Be specific but allow space for adjustments as circumstances change.
How can you diversify your income streams? – Think beyond just sales; explore new avenues like workshops, collaborations, or passive income.
What expenses are essential, and where can you cut back? – Setting an intention to be more mindful of where money goes can help you make more strategic choices.
What are your long-term financial goals? – Consider savings or reinvestment in your business for future growth.
How do you feel about your current financial situation? – Acknowledge your emotions around money to help shape your approach with clarity and confidence.

By setting intentions around these financial goals, you can approach your business’s finances with intention, making sure you're both grounded in the present and prepared for future success.

Section 6: The Journey Matters

When it comes to intention-setting, the journey is just as important as the destination. Reaching goals is undoubtedly rewarding, but how we navigate the path toward those goals is where true growth happens. The key is to approach the journey with intention, focusing not only on the outcomes but also on how we get there. Along this journey, there are five important guideposts to keep in mind:

Create healthy and sustainable work habits

Set up routines that prioritize balance, ensuring you're working in a way that supports both your business and your well-being; it’s about creating a rhythm that allows you to do your best work without overwhelming yourself. In the busy world of running a handmade jewelry business, it’s easy to fall into cycles of burnout. This year, focus on building habits that will support your long-term success, including:

Setting a manageable production schedule.
Making time for creativity and design inspiration.
Finding balance between work and rest to avoid burnout.

These habits will allow you to create work that feels good and aligns with your values, while also maintaining your passion and enthusiasm for your craft.

Growth…

comes from embracing the process and knowing that each step, whether a success or setback, is a valuable part of the bigger picture.

Prioritize self-care

Whether it's through rest, pursuing hobbies, or connecting with loved ones, giving yourself the space to recharge is key. A rested mind and body are the foundation for creativity, productivity, and clear decision-making. When you’re operating from a place of burnout or exhaustion, it’s difficult to show up with your best self in your business or personal life. Regular self-care ensures that you’re energized, focused, and able to approach your goals with a fresh perspective.

To assess if you need to step back and take care of yourself, ask these three questions:

Am I feeling physically drained or mentally exhausted?
Have I been neglecting my emotional well-being in favor of work?
Am I finding it difficult to enjoy the creative aspects of my business?

If you find yourself answering "yes" to any of these, it’s a clear sign to pause and prioritize your well-being.

Understand growth as an ongoing process

Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and evolving. Growth comes from embracing the process and knowing that each step, whether a success or setback, is a valuable part of the bigger picture. As a small business owner and artist, this perspective keeps you open to new ideas, resilient through challenges, and focused on long-term goals rather than immediate results. To make this process smoother, here are three helpful tips for adapting as you continue to grow:

Embrace a growth mindset – Approach challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles. This shift in thinking helps you adapt and improve, no matter the situation.
Set small, achievable goals – Break larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps to create a sense of accomplishment along the way. This makes it easier to adjust and stay on course without feeling overwhelmed.
Seek feedback regularly – Whether from customers, fellow artists, or mentors, constructive feedback helps you identify areas for growth and improve your offerings and processes.

By incorporating these tips into your journey, you’ll be better equipped to adapt, stay motivated, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

Embrace flexibility

No matter how carefully you plan, the path to your goals will likely include twists, turns, and unexpected detours. The key is to remain open to changing direction when necessary, without letting setbacks discourage you. Flexibility means recognizing that things don’t always unfold exactly as you envisioned, and that’s okay. It’s an opportunity for growth and creative problem-solving. Staying flexible helps you adapt to new circumstances and find alternative routes to your goals. When you feel discouraged, repeat these affirmations to help shift your mindset:

"I am capable of adapting to new circumstances and finding new ways forward."
"Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow."
"I trust the process and know that I am exactly where I need to be.”

Being kind…

to yourself allows you to bounce back, stay resilient, and keep moving forward with clarity and focus on the bigger picture.

Show yourself grace

When mistakes, setbacks, or detours arise—because they inevitably will—it’s crucial to remember that they’re not signs of failure but opportunities for learning and growth. Being kind to yourself allows you to bounce back, stay resilient, and keep moving forward with clarity and focus on the bigger picture. In tough moments, here are three things you can do to show yourself grace:

Pause and breathe – Take a moment to step back, breathe deeply, and give yourself permission to reset before diving back in. A short pause can help put things in perspective and alleviate stress.
Reframe the situation – Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, reframe them as learning experiences. Ask yourself, "What can I take away from this?" and use it as a stepping stone for improvement.
Affirm your worth – Remind yourself of your strengths, achievements, and the reasons you started this journey in the first place. Positive affirmations help shift your mindset and keep you grounded in your purpose.

Showing yourself grace during these moments helps you stay compassionate toward your own process and ultimately brings more clarity and confidence to the path ahead.

By keeping these guideposts in mind, you can approach your business journey with intention and clarity, making each step meaningful while building toward your ultimate goals.

Section 7: How Anam Cara Clay Goods is Setting Intentions this Year

At Anam Cara Clay Goods, setting intentions for the new year means embracing growth, expanding our reach, and continuing to craft jewelry and experiences that connect with the hearts of our community. This year, I’m focused on expanding wholesale opportunities for retailers, ensuring that more shops and galleries can offer Anam Cara Clay Goods to their customers. Alongside this, I’m excited to foster more artist collaborations, bringing together creative minds to create something beautiful and unique. Another major intention is to offer online workshops and classes—a way to connect more directly with customers and fellow artists, sharing my process and techniques while building a deeper community.

To further engage with our loyal customers, we’re working on launching a loyalty program that will make it even easier for our supporters to get exclusive perks and rewards. On the marketing front, increased communication through text and email will allow us to keep our customers informed and connected with all things Anam Cara Clay Goods.

This year, I’m also focused on creating meaningful jewelry collections that tell a unique story, each piece designed to reflect something deeper than just a beautiful accessory. Passive income avenues are also a priority—such as branded digital artwork, clothing, and stickers—to expand our product offerings and reach a broader audience. Additionally, I’m excited to explore Patreon as a platform to share more exclusive content and behind-the-scenes moments, building a more intimate relationship with our community.

Another passion project for this year is the Women’s Empowerment Sponsor Series, where we’ll highlight incredible women making an impact in their communities. This initiative will inspire and uplift others while celebrating the powerful, resilient women who lead by example. Lastly, I’m diving into the world of seasonal color analysis consultations and developing a consultation package to help individuals find their personal style with confidence.

These are just a few of the ways Anam Cara Clay Goods is setting intentions for the year, with a deep commitment to growth, community, and impact. I’m so excited for what this year holds and the opportunities to connect more meaningfully with all of you!

It’s not…

just about reaching goals—it’s about embracing the process, learning from the detours, and honoring the journey itself.

Conclusion

As we step into a new year, setting intentions for your business is a powerful way to navigate the journey ahead. It’s about being mindful of where you want to go, how you want to show up, and most importantly, staying open to the twists and turns that will inevitably come your way. Intentions give us the flexibility and grace to move forward without the rigid pressure of resolutions, allowing us to adapt, grow, and thrive on our own terms. It’s not just about reaching goals—it’s about embracing the process, learning from the detours, and honoring the journey itself. Remember, success isn't defined solely by the destination, but by how we show up for ourselves and our businesses along the way. So, as you set your intentions for the year, take a moment to reflect, show yourself grace, and trust that you are exactly where you need to be. Here's to a year of growth, possibility, and meaningful progress for you and your business!

Bonus Content:

As a special bonus to go along with this month’s blog post, I’m excited to share a mini intention-setting e-book! This PDF is designed to help you take all the tips and tricks I’ve shared and put them into action for your own business and personal life. Inside, you’ll find guided prompts to help you clarify your goals, opportunities for reflection, and journaling spaces to capture your thoughts as you set your intentions for the year ahead. Whether you're a small business owner or just looking to create more purposeful plans for your personal journey, I hope this e-book sparks new inspiration and provides a roadmap for success—one that you can truly enjoy along the way. Feel free to download, print, and use it as a tool to stay focused, intentional, and excited about what’s to come!

Get The Intention Setting Mini E-Book Now!

All photos courtesy of Amanda Shrader Photography

Setting Intentions for 2025