As we enter into the New Year, many of us are making resolutions and setting goals for the new year. But while it’s a great time to set intentions, it’s also common to feel overwhelmed knowing where to start or what steps you need to take to make progress. If you’re looking for a simple (but powerful) step to take BEFORE goal setting, choose your power word for the year.
The beauty of using a word of the year lies in its simplicity. It’s an easy way to stay focused on what matters most without getting caught up in all the details, and help you get back on track when you find yourself caught up in bright shiny object moments.
In this video, I’ll share three steps to choose the best word for you this year. With even just one word guiding your decisions, there’s no telling what amazing things this year has in store!
The show notes are below.
A word of the year is exactly what it sounds like—it’s one single word that encompasses all your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year. It’s also known as a “power word” because it carries so much meaning and power behind it.
You don’t have to make dozens of resolutions; instead, all you need is one simple word or phrase that will guide your decisions and actions throughout the year. Plus, if your goal-setting process feels too daunting or abstract, having something tangible, like a keyword, can help provide clarity.
Step 1: Brainstorm
Choosing your word of the year doesn’t need to be complicated or stressful. When selecting your word for the year, think about what area(s) you want to grow in or which habits you need to change in order for you to reach your goals. Two great questions to ask yourself are…
- Do you know what your distractions are?
- Do you know what beliefs you have that may hold you back this year?
Now ask questions that can help define the type of word you want to create. If most of your answers point in a certain direction, then choose a word to remind you of what’s most important in the new year and stick with it. Here are a few questions and more can be found in the Word of the Year guide.
- What do I enjoy, and what am I good at doing?
- What is the most important thing in my life?
- What do I want more of in my life?
- A year from now, looking back on 2023, what would you be most excited about accomplishing?
Now brainstorm around five words that reflect who you are currently or who you want to become this year.
It’s important to remember that there is no “right” or “wrong” choice here; what matters most is that whatever word you choose speaks directly to where you are right now and reflects where you want to go this year!
Step 2: Narrow Down
Once you have your list of potential words, narrow down which resonates with you most deeply by asking yourself which would impact how you live out this next year.
An example —a word that encompasses all changes and growth opportunities into one succinct thought or phrase could be “growth” or “clarity” or “focus.” Conversely, if there is something that needs changing in your life and/or business but isn’t necessarily related directly to your current goal set then try picking a completely different word such as “patience” or “persistence” – which could prove beneficial in both long-term and short-term success!
Once you have narrowed it down, think about how this word ties into everything else in your life – from relationships to career – and make sure it resonates with you before making your final decision.
Let them sit with you for a day or so (or even up to a week). Usually, when I come up with my word, I know it’s my word. Still, I sit with it for a few days to make sure it reflects what I want to happen in the new year. It’s important to be mindful of the process because the word is meant to help you in all aspects of your life and business.
Step 3: Take Action
Once you have narrowed down and chosen your word, then take action! You can do this by making sure this word is always visible—on Post-It notes around your house, on your laptop wallpaper, or as part of an affirmation —
This will help keep it top of mind so that when faced with decisions this year, you will be able to ask yourself: “Does this align with my chosen word?”
Your power word can be incredibly helpful when it comes to setting goals because it simplifies what could otherwise be an overwhelming process. With just one word as your focal point, you can more easily break down those larger objectives into smaller actionable tasks. For example, if your goal is to launch an online course and your chosen word is “consistency,” then each task should align with that focus—from creating content to promoting your course on social media.
Having a power word can also help motivate you throughout the year when things get tough or you start getting discouraged by your lack of progress toward achieving your goals.
A power word helps remind you why you set those goals in the first place and provides an extra boost when you need it most. For example, if our power word is “adventure,” then when things start feeling mundane or mundane tasks become overwhelming, you can think back on why you chose this word in order to give yourself an extra push forward!
Take some time today or tomorrow and think about what kind of direction 2023 should take for yourself, personally or professionally. Remember, not all words have to be serious; they can also evoke fun and excitement as well! Once you have picked out your special power word, make sure that it’s visible so that you have the word to guide you every day!
If you want the Word of the Year guide, send me a quick note with the word GUIDE, and I’ll send it your way!
And…
If you’re ready to amplify your online presence, leverage strategic collaborations, and attract your ideal clients (without relying on social media) join the Visibility Kickstart Club! The system works even if you have a small audience or haven’t created an offer yet!
