Influence Your Whole Year with Just One Word

Did you know that by the second week in January, about 25% of the people who made New Year’s resolutions have already ditched them? Instead of making promises to myself that I may or may not keep (ahem…), I like to think about the New Year in terms of words. Specifically, THE word – the one that will be my touchstone and theme for the next 365 days.

Did you choose a word for your year? If so, you’re in good company!

Having a word of the year is amazing (not to mention guilt free) because it lets you think about and be in your business on a different level. Here are three specific things your word can boost:

Intention
This is a word of the year in and of itself! Intention is “what one intends to do or bring about; a determination to act in a certain way”. Set your intentions, then use your word to act on them.

I named some BHAGs (big, hairy, audacious goals) for my company last year. My word was “awe” so I decided to approach those goals with a curiosity and wonder that would push me to take brave steps. Not every brave act worked out, but now I balk less at the things that scare me and my business is better for it.

Using your word to fuel your purpose and give you a total mindset shift? Definite win!

Inspiration
Running a small business is rewarding but I think we can agree that it’s hard work. Let your word give your day-to-day routine a dose of inspiration and I guarantee it will lighten the load.

A client of mine once chose “gratitude” as her word. Instead of getting frustrated when her work got bumpy, gratitude inspired her to look for the lessons. One year my word was “fun”. Tax prep and budgeting don’t really fall into the giggles and grins category but when I approached them with the “fun” lens they seemed less terrible.

Pro tip: Keep your word someplace visible (mirror, vision board, screen saver) and let it inspire you every day.

Insight
Here’s another tip: When you roll into the next year, don’t leave the previous year’s word behind! You chose it for a reason and it probably offered up all kinds of learnings that you can carry forward. Hey, a few years’ worth of words adds up to a lot of first-hand wisdom and insight! You can even keep a running list of your words to remind you of where you were in different seasons and to celebrate your growth.

Yup, a word of the year is a mighty little tool. It can clarify the purpose for your business. It can be the inspiration that helps guide your actions and measure your progress. If nothing else, it’s a great conversation starter. “Hey, what’s your word of the year?”

In case you’re curious, my word this year is “calm”. Every word I’ve had over the last decade arrived with no warning and with no thought on my part. Literally, “Tada! I’m your word!” Given that it was not technically chosen by me, I have no idea where “calm” will lead but I’m already happy it’s here.

Setting bold intentions is much easier when I face them with a calm mindset.

Being in a calm space lets me filter what is distracting so I can be inspired by what is meant for me.

So far so good!

Whether you’ve been a word of the year person for a while, or you’re now inspired to choose one for the first time, I’d love to know what you picked and why.

I’ll be waiting (calmly, of course) to hear how your good word is working for you!