What is your word for the year?

JANUARY 4, 2016

Welcome to the clean slate of 2016!

Making New Year's resolutions can feel daunting. And following them may not last longer than a weeks or just days if they are too complicated or difficult to remember. Many people find more success when creating a single theme, or maybe just a word, to keep close throughout the year. A word that represents what you want for yourself this year. Maybe it's something that inspires you. Or a symbollic reminder. Or a representation of a goal you want to achieve.

My word for 2016 is 'ACTION'.

I tend to overthink everything- especially decisions and next steps. Even for simple things, like deciding what to cook for dinner. Or what to get someone for their birthday. I have self-diagnosed it as a case of perfectionism with a fear of failure. I read a book last year called The Confidence Code, which left me with the following valuable to-do list: 1) Think less, 2) Take action, 3) Be authentic. So, this year, my word is ACTION. I keep it posted on my desk and will allow it to pop into my mind when I find myself stuck in a decision or afraid of taking a risk. Or when I just don't know what to do next.

Another consideration for your word of the year is to also identify what the opposite of your word is. This will help you to clarify what your word really means to you. The opposite of ACTION for me is RUMINATION, or compulsively focusing on the worrisome or potentially negative aspects of something. By identifying this, I can pause when I find myself ruminating over something and take action. Any action.  A move forward. 

What is your word for the year? What does it mean to you? If you aren't up for a long list of resolutions, perhaps this will help you kick start your year with something that truly stays with you beyond January!

"Last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." - T.S. Eliot