I’ve been seeing and hearing about all these people coming up with a word or a phrase of the year. I knew nothing about this practice or why people are so focused on it- so I did a little investigating. Now I am in love with the concept. In fact, I chose a word for myself to embody 2020. Here’s why:
A word of the year is a practice that replaces the Resolution. You choose one word that describes what you want you or your life to become in the coming year. It is the theme, mantra, or guide that you base your decisions on as you move toward your goals. Why do I like this idea way more than a resolution?
- Resolutions are rigid and easy to break while a guiding principle like a word of the year allows more room for grace.
- A word or phrase of the year is less like a to-do list and more like a guide toward real quality change.
- A word of the year requires more. More introspection, more intent, more depth. In order to create change, you must look deeper into your life than simply making a resolution to lose weight, be financially responsible, or show up at work on time.
So how do you choose your word for 2020? Ask yourself these questions:
- What could I use more of in my life?
- Who are my role models and what word describes what I admire most about them?
- What characteristics would I like to embody?
- How do I want to feel every day?
- What habits do I want to encourage or discourage in myself?
Now, spend a few minutes writing down words that have something to do with those questions and their answers. Here’s the trick- DON’T OVERTHINK! It’s likely that you will see a theme in the words you have scribbled. Once you have your word, create a few sentences that explain why you want to focus on those words. Post it somewhere you can see it when you need the reminder. And post your word everywhere! Put it in your planner, on your computer desktop, tape it to the dash of your car or your bathroom mirror. Whatever it takes to remind you that you are choosing to live your life by that principle.
Here’s what I chose for my word- what’s yours?
I am choosing to step into this next chapter of my life with intention. I will spend my time and energy on tasks that move the needle by intentionally focusing on each task individually. In my personal life I will choose to intentionally carve out time in each week to have meaningful conversations with family and friends without devices or distractions. I will eat and drink with the intent of making healthy choices for my body and not eat mechanically or indiscriminately.
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