People all over social media have been sharing their ‘word of the year’ for the last few weeks. Even though we are almost half way through January, if you haven’t yet set your word of the year, it’s not too late! After all, there are still 11.5 months left of 2021!
There are many opinions when it comes to what having a word of the year means. Personally, I think often it is over-spiritualised and overcomplicated. Truthfully, I used to find it a little strange! It all seemed a little woo-woo to me, until I changed my mindset around what having a word of the year could mean.
Having a Word of the Year doesn’t need to be over-spiritualised. It is simply a word that you are CHOOSING and COMMITTING to pursue, grow into and reflect on throughout your year.
I tried in 2020 to set a word, but I seemed to have a handful of words that felt ‘good’ that I simply couldn’t choose between… And I wouldn’t say I really pursued or reflected on any of these words because I lacked direction and clarity. The exercise became entirely pointless.
When it came time to set a word for 2021, I seemed to run into the same issue. There were a few words that felt good to me, but HOW do I choose just ONE?! I share a few tips in the episode to choose a word when you have a few options — or you can read them below!
The word I ended up choosing now sits really well with me, and it’s something I know I can pursue and grow into both personally and professionally. I am actually EXCITED to have a proper word of the year in 2021!
In this episode of The Imperfect Pursuit I share more about what having a Word of the Year really means, some tips to help you choose a word and open up about the word I personally chose – and why. It’s a good one – tune in now!
I’d encourage you to listen to the full episode, but if you are more of a reader than a listener, here are some of the tips I share in the episode!
4 Steps When Setting a Word of the Year:
1. Create some space and brainstorm
Create some space in your life to spend some intentional time reflecting and brainstorming what your word of the year could be. Go for a drive or a long walk, maybe listen to some music, and brainstorm any words, phrases or concepts that come to mind. Think about your values. Think about what you want to invite into the new year.
2. Choose a word that feels both comfortable AND uncomfortable
Sure, the word you choose should feel GOOD to you! It should excite you and motivate you. But as well as that, your word of the year should also challenge you; stretch you. It should make you feel a little uncomfortable!
3. Choose a word you can GROW into
Aim to choose a word that you can grow into. Think about things that you may have lacked last year, or something you may want to improve or develop, or perhaps it’s something you want to learn to release and let go of. What do you want to grow into? As your word should be uncomfortable, it may be something you wrestle with throughout the year – but ultimately something you are going to be purposeful in learning to grow into.
4. If you have a list of words, choose the word that feels strongest to you
I don’t think it’s helpful having multiple ‘words of the year’. Commit and decide on just ONE word. If you’re finding it hard to narrow down, feel free to take a few days or weeks to decide. There will likely be one word that you keep coming back to; a word that feels strongest. Notice that I don’t say a word that feels ‘nicest’. Because at the end of the day, it may be a word that feels a little scary but ultimately you feel a strong pull toward – and it’s something that YOU are committing to.
5. Don’t overthink it!
It’s easier said than done, I know. I know this may sound a little contradictory after all of the tips I have already shared… But friend, don’t allow this to keep you stuck. It’s just a word – so pick one.
Thanks for tuning into today’s episode of The Imperfect Pursuit Podcast. I’d love to know — what was your biggest takeaway? Head to my Instagram to join the conversation!
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