I don’t do New Year’s resolutions, or at least I haven’t in a few years. But chances are you’ve already seen people on social media sharing what their “word of the year” is and why they’ve chosen that word. To me, WOTY is like a resolution, but oh so much better.
Everyone has their reasons for this, but for me in particular a “word of the year” is a touchstone of sorts. It’s looking at the bigger picture and what I want for my life, but also allowing myself a bit of grace, too. (Resolutions, as I wrote a few years ago, feel like an either/or. And I’ve often felt in the past like if I didn’t accomplish them that I’ve failed in some way).
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Why A Word of the Year Works Better Compared to Resolutions
Last year my word of the year was “focus.” I’ve always been a bit scatter brained, and I’ve never been very organized. I’m also reallllly good at putting too much on my plate (like committing and saying “yes” to things I don’t have time for). So 2018 was about focus. If a new idea or project came to me, I’d tell myself, “focus Liz.” If it didn’t involve spending quality time with loved ones, or focusing on my freelance biz or writing, then it wasn’t at the top of my priority list. (Creating my bullet journal helped with this).
Throughout the year, the word grounded me, just as a word of the year should. And when I discovered this book – “The Power of Focus” – at my parents’ lake house, it felt pretty serendipitous. Bonus: choosing just one word (or one phrase) can encompass a whole lot, from your personal to professional goals.
How do you decide on a word of the year?
Think of your WOTY as a mantra of sorts. What do you want to work on in the next year? What do you want more of in your life?
Now bring pen to paper and write down all the words that strike a chord for you… consider your goals and dreams for all the facets of your life. Then try to narrow it down from there by picking two or three. This can be a process, but it’s a great way to reflect on your previous year while also looking forward. (Need some more word of the year ideas? Here are a few to get you started: roots, progress, determination, courage, creativity, wellness, balance).
My Word for 2019
My word of 2019 was pretty easy for me. Growth. While reflecting in the last few months of 2018, I realized how I’ve put myself on the back burner for a long time. But growth is something I desire not just mentally and emotionally, but professionally, too.
Mentally and emotionally, I’ll be focused a lot on self care. I started therapy late in 2018, something I knew I needed for awhile to help with some anxiety and worries I wasn’t coping with well, particularly since the birth of my sweet baby boy in 2017. One thing became clear very early in therapy: my lack of taking care of myself — both in terms of my physical health but also taking time for me — was wearing me down. So, I’ll be doing a lot of personal development growth in 2019.
As for professionally, since 2018 was about focus for me, I’ve been seeing the results in my business and my writing. And I know both are going to “grow” if I keep the focus up in 2019.
Last but certainly not least: growth in my yard. Ha! But seriously. I can’t wait for Spring and our new backyard. We have plans to re-do the front first, and then we’ll be putting a garden in the back. Growth, literally, in every aspect of our lives in 2019!
So what’s your word of the year? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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My word of the year is actually a phrase: joie de vivre. It’s interesting to me that last year, my word of the year was the same as yours: “focus” (along with courage.) Good choice!
I love that phrase! It encompasses so much! Thanks for sharing! <3 I think we can all use a bit more 'focus' in our life, so I'm not totally surprised to hear that was your word too. How did the word help you last year?