Last year was the first year I decided to choose a word of the year. My word was “persistence”. It was an important word for me because I was starting a new journey in life as an empty nester and blogger. Every time I was feeling down or defeated, I just thought about my word and was “persistent” in moving forward. Persistent in learning new things and discovering my authentic self. Now it is time to choose my word for next year. Instead of just picking one, I thought I would put some thought into it. Take some time to think about what I want next year to bring.
So, I searched the internet for some help. Here is what I found.
Sign up for my Resource Library to download a worksheet to help you choose your word of the year!
How To Choose Your Word of the Year
Lara Casey from Cultivate What Matters sell a Power Sheets Goal Planner that walks you through how to pick your Word of the Year.
- Think about what worked for you last year and what didn’t.
- What did you learn and what do you have left to do?
- Brainstorm your year ahead. What is the big picture vision?
- Make a list of words that resonate with you.
- Get out the dictionary and look up definitions, origins, synonyms, and antonyms.
- Choose a word. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Remember that you can change it at any time.
- Use the word to help remind yourself of where you are going and what you want to accomplish.
The Goal Chaser wrote an article that includes over 300 words to choose from. To get you thinking, answer these simple questions first.
- Considering how this past year has been, what is something that you could improve on, do differently or keep working on?
- Think of something that isn’t going so well in your life right now. What’s a word that is the opposite or more positive alternative to this? For example, if fear keeps holding you back, then the alternative could be fearless or brave?
- What do you want MORE of in your life?
- LESS of? Be sure to turn it into a positive word though!
- What would be a game-changer for you?
I really love the process that Christy Tending uses.
She chose five words that resonated with her. Here’s how she did that, “First, I brainstormed everything that I wanted the year ahead to be. And everything that’s felt meaningful from this past year. I combed through my favorite books, looked at the writings of colleagues who inspire me. Next, I spent time thinking about the feelings that I’m chasing, the world I’m creating, and the way I want to embody my various roles. I did a lot of meditation. Deliberation. I gave careful thought to what I want 2020 to hold for me. What I want it to feel like from the inside.”
Then she sat with her words. She meditated on them, added them to mantras, and chose the one that felt the best.
Mantra – May you be filled with ______.
“Choosing a word of the year helps you to focus and bring clarity to your desired goals.”
To get you started, here is a list of words to choose from.
Now that you have your word, what are you supposed to do with it?
Sharla Fritz has some great ideas.
- Make your word visible – Put it on your screens, make posters, write it on your planner, put it on your bathroom mirror, etc.
- Find scriptures or quotes with your word in them. This brings more focus or validation to your word.
- Discover the meaning of your word. Get more insight into what your word means.
- Read books with your word as the topic. Provides more insight into how to live in your word.
Picking a word of the year helps you stay focused and helps you stay accountable to the priorities in your life right now. Use it to help you make decisions about your business or personal life.
“If I do this, will it help me with (being) ___________.” (insert word of the year)
Choosing a word of the year helps you go into the next year with intention. It puts you on the path of your vision.
Ok, so now I need to choose mine.
After going through all of the journal prompts and meditating on them, I came down to a couple of words. Then I sat with them for a few days and this one popped up as the winner!
When I was journaling about what I wanted to accomplish next year and setting a big vision, these three things came up over and over.
- Taking care of my body
- Better relationships with family and friends
- A new direction in my business
Connection covers all three! I kept trying to come up with more words to choose from, but I couldn’t get away from “connection.”
Connect with…
- myself and make taking care of my body a priority
- my family and friends more often
- clients and readers
The definition of connection on dictionary.com is “person who aids another in achieving a goal”. In Oxford Dictionary it is “a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else.”
“Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.” Brene’ Brown
“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” Paul J. Meyer
“Without a deep and genuine connection, your relationship isn’t likely to provide you with the happiness and fulfillment you truly desire.” @StephenSpeaks
I’m excited about my word and how it will guide me in 2020.
OK, now it’s your turn!
Sign up for my Resource Library to download a worksheet to help you find your word of the year! It will be under Personal Development!
I’d love for you to share your word in the comments below!
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