Ready to make changes in 2023?
I can’t remember when I made the switch from New Year’s Resolutions to choosing a word to focus on for the year. Picking one word for the year helps bring focus and clarity to what we want to create in our life. I have not decided on my word yet so I thought we could work on it together.
This isn’t about making another list of goals or resolutions; it is about creating a mantra to help guide your daily actions and become a better version of yourself. I think it is about simplifying from resolutions to a way of life.
1: REFLECT
The first thing I want you to do is to reflect on this past year and ask yourself these questions. Jot down whatever pops into your head without self-editing.
What could I use more of in my life?
What could I use less of in my life?
What characteristics would I like to have?
By the end of the day, I feel (fill in the blank).
How do I want to feel?
Look over your answers, you should have a better idea of the direction you’d like to go or what is lacking in your life.
2: VISUALIZE
Take a few minutes to visualize what your perfect day would feel like, how you would like your morning routine to feel, how you would like your work day to feel, and how do you want to feel at the end of your day. Take a minute to meditate or sit with yourself for a few minutes. Ask yourself “what would do I want to focus on in 2023?” I also recommend meditating or sitting in silence for a couple of minutes and asking yourself “What word do I want to focus on in 2022?”. This is simple but effective.
3: CREATE A LIST
Spend 10 minutes creating a list of the words that come to mind, no self-editing! Need some help? Here are some examples:
4: REVIEW & REFINE
Review your list and narrow down your favorites. I’d circle or highlight 3 words.
Do you see a theme going on? Do any words jump out at you, excite or scare you? Think about the words, sit with them, and trust your gut. Gently review your list and let the words pick you.
5: ASK YOURSELF THIS VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION
Which word can you say you’re 100% committed to? Choose that one!
Choose the word you want to improve upon or learn more about. The word will guide you throughout the year and even if you forget about it from time to time, subconsciously you’ll discover resources or tools to bring it into your life more than the year before.
Don’t forget to jot down your WOTY in your calendar, planner, or journal. I write my word of the year in my journal (and my phone notes) and include a few sentences underneath it about how I can bring it into my life.
You can write it on a post-it note and stick it on your bathroom mirror, computer, or anywhere else you’ll see it regularly. Here are some examples of Words I have made over the years. Come on in Today or Soon, I will help you make a sign that is perfect for you. ~ Lisa
I am still deciding on my word...I am currently sitting with it to see if it is perfect for me.
