What do you want to see happen in the coming 12 months? What would you like your year to look like?
If you choose one word for what you desire this coming year, what would it be? Choosing a few words – no more than 5 – to describe the compass you want for the year is gaining popularity. It is replacing New Year’s Resolutions.
This one-word guides choices you make; activities you do, and decisions in your life. Keeping this word front and center each day allows small changes to occur over time. Having goals is good yet can be difficult for creating behavior changes. What goals would you choose for being happy? Happiness is a mindset and a daily choice.
I got excited when I encountered this guiding word concept. I took a class on behavioral finances. One tool used is choosing 5 words that reflect your top values. Financial decisions should be made against this background. Choosing a word to be your compass for the year seemed natural.
How do you choose your Word?
Take a moment of reflection. What did last year look like? What would you like to see be different — How would you like to grow?
Visualize what you want the coming year to look like. You may even want to create a dream board. What is the pattern of words that are emerging?
Brainstorm words. Write down everything that comes to you. Keep a running list for a week. What word resonates, inspires you, or feels right?
You want a word that will challenge you but not drive you crazy. Don’t feel compelled to focus on your biggest problem area. That can require massive effort and you could end up back at unfulfilled New Year’s Resolutions. Slow and steady wins the race.
The word should give you clarity. Try writing a few sentences with your word. Describe what transformation you see taking place. What does the word mean to you?
Be true to yourself. Use words that feel right; empower you. Your word only needs to make sense to you. Afterall it’s your guiding compass.
For 2024 my guiding word is refresh.
What renews me is
Meaningful, quiet time, spiritual renewal
Reflecting on the blessings in each day – grateful heart
Laughter does good like a medicine
Keep a sense of humor
As life happens each day, keep your guiding word front and center. Put it where you will be reminded – on your phone, bathroom mirror, workspace.