January. The time of new beginnings, goals, setting intentions and even resolutions. And, for the past few years – finding a WORD that captures the essence of what is important and relevant, and what calls us into action. It’s simple, really. Just pick a word that inspires, motivates, challenges you. A word that allows you to grow , develop and flourish in new, exciting ways – ways you might not have even imagined before now.
Brought to popularity five years ago with Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Eat. Pray, Love , choosing a word is a wonderful way to capture the essence of yourself. “What’s your word?” we whispered, and sought to find the perfect word. Putting a twist on that concept, choosing a word for the New Year is a bold way to declare to the world that this is what is relevant and compelling to you at this point in time. A word that inspires and motivates you.
Which word will I choose this year, I wondered? Then, out of the blue, one of my wonderful clients sent me a beautiful keychain featuring a lovely, colorful confidence bead. On the bead was a tiny inscription of just one word…FABULOUS. It beckoned me, and at the same time it felt too big, too out-there. Which is when I knew fabulous was my word. It has shown up so far in the question, “If I was fabulous, what would I do?” And it doesn’t let me play small, or hide myself. Fabulous people put themselves out there, are confident, risk-takers, not afraid to play a big game and maybe even fail. As long as they pick themselves up and are, well, fabulous. The case might even be made that by being fabulous, they don’t worry about failure. In the past couple of years I have chosen “excellence” and “connect” and this feels like the perfect evolution for me.
Lots of coaches and other motivational types are embracing this idea, it’s that good, and it really works. Jennifer Louden has done this for years, and she does it with so much inspiration and ease. I have used this idea in newsletters, workshops, sessions and blog posts. My clients and readers love it, and some have even been wondering about their 2012 words for the past few weeks.
I like to imagine a world where we are all thoughtfully choosing our words every January. I imagine in some form we have been since the beginning of time. I bet even back in the days of Adam and Eve, one turned to the other and asked, “What’s your word, dear?” Imagine the possibilities!
So, the question remains…WHAT’S YOUR WORD?? Please share with us…
That’s so fun! My word is “Play”. I’ve been a Very Hard Worker for a long time, so this one is a relief. Although when my inner gnomes take hold, they can turn even play into work. I’ll have to dance with that one.
What a great word!! Have FUN with it!!