As the year ends, I start to think about what I want for the next year of my life. Way back in 2004 I started choosing a “word of the year” instead of the obligatory New Year’s Resolution. Resolutions used to feel like rules and when I didn’t accomplish them, I was disappointed and frustrated. Picking a word for the year brings clarity and focus. It helps me think about who I want to become, not what I want to accomplish. Sort of like a compass, guiding me towards growth, improvement, and personal fulfillment. This is why I love choosing a word each year. And this is why I love helping others through career and life coaching.
“When you choose a word of the year, you’re doing more than playing some clever little new year’s game. You are letting your soul show you the way to your own wild, open-hearted, custom-made path of happy” – Christine Kane
Benefits of Choosing A Word Of The Year
It helps me set the tone for the upcoming year. Choosing a word helps define my actions, decisions, and mindset throughout the year ahead. My word sets the tone for my experiences and help me remain focused and motivated despite the ups and downs that life inevitably throws my way.
Another benefit of choosing a word of the year is the clarity and focus it brings. By funneling my intentions into a single word, I prioritize my actions and align them with my values. The word of the year becomes a lens through which I filter my choices. This makes it easier to pursue what is in line with my aspirations.
A word of the year serves as a source of motivation and acts as a gentle reminder of what I want to achieve, who I want to become and the mindset I want to cultivate. When I face challenges or feel discouraged, the word of the year spur me on toward hope and resilience. It empowers me to keep moving forward, even when the path seems uncertain or overwhelming.
The act of choosing a word of the year helps me to reflect on the areas of my life that need attention and growth. It encourages self-awareness and self-reflection, allowing me to identify any changes I need to make.
How To Choose Your Word
Here’s how I do it – but feel free to experiment and find what works for you. I start by looking at a word of the year list and then pick 3 to 5 that jump off the page. I then spend some time journaling, looking at quotes, songs and bible verses that support that word. It usually becomes clear pretty quickly which word is a standout. Some of my favorites: Unstoppable, hope, trust, and connected. Some of the ones that were good but hard: surrender, wait and deeper. This year I chose ( or the word chose me) un-shakable. Once I have my word, I choose a quote, a song, and a bible verse.
Then, because I am a little bit weird, I make a small mixed media canvas with my word (see pictures below) I am not artist, but this is a good way for me to commit my word to memory and put it into practice. Some years, I have made a word of the year journal to keep my word front and center. Other years I just make the canvas. This is where you need to find what works for you.
Give It A Try
As you reflect on the last year and get ready to embark on the new year, remember that choosing a word of the year for yourself can help you tap into the person you aspire to become. Give it a try for yourself! IF you get stuck get some career and life coaching.
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