As the New Year approaches it’s time to reflect on the past year, celebrate achievements and give thought to the year ahead. It is the time of the year, where many people think about setting New Year resolutions which they quickly dismiss a few days or weeks later. Dismissed as little forethought went into it. Naturally, I believe in setting goals. In fact, I like to set goals in 8 areas of my life. However, I have also learnt about the power of having one focus word. And how choosing one focus word for the New Year can really help you clarify your core value.
Why choose one focus word for the year.
It was during a goal setting workshop at Kikki K that I first heard about having a focus word for the year. As a group, we were individually choosing personal core values. About 5 core values each. I remember choosing family, freedom, community, balance and achievement. There were many values to choose from and making a quick choice is not wise. It is best to choose your words and really think about them and what they mean to you.
After you have a few core values, you choose one of the words as your main focus word. This is your power word for the year.
The power of choosing one focus word is to use the word as a lens. A word that guides you in your actions. A word that keeps you true to your overarching core value.
The benefits of just one word.
When you have one focus word you obtain clarity on decision making. You grow personally through the actions you take by having one focus.
One word helps with a vision, a direction. Whereas, New Year resolutions is more of a promise to yourself to change something. A resolution looks a the negative aspect. One word provides a lens in which to visualize the future through.
Your one focus word is the word you pass your intended actions through to decide if the action is moving your away or towards your goals.
Related posts: New Year resolutions vs goals, which ones best.
Why visualizing your ideal day is good for your future.
How to choose your one word for the year.
The first step in choosing your main focus word is to identify the person you would like to become. The best way to do that is to reflect on the past year.
Step 1
How would you describe your past year? What are you proud of? If one word would describe the highlights of your year, what would it be?
What sort of changes are you looking at to make in your life throughout 2020?
Write down a few words that would sum up your year and the changes you wish to make in 2020.
Step 2
What are the characteristics of the person you wish to become? To level up what qualities does the person you need to become have?
Write down some of those qualities.
Step 3
Highlight the core values in your lists and choose one word for your year.
Get a list of core values here.
Tip: If a balanced life is what you’re after, choose a word that could apply to all areas of your life.
Keep your one word in focus.
Throughout 2020 keep you one word in mind. Write it down where you see it every day and as you take action towards your goals relate the action to the word.
Think does this one action bring me closer to my goals and am I in integrity with my core values. How do I feel when this action is seen through the lens of my power word?
In 2019 some words on reflection for me are consistent, reliable, supportive. Changes I’m looking at in 2020 are healthy changes.
For 2020 my one word is health. Health is a word I can apply to many areas of my life. In my article on work life balance, I talk about the wheel of life and balancing different spheres of life.
Healthy lifestyle, healthy finance, healthy relationships, healthy mind.
The focus words is a lens which helps guides your actions for the year.
How to focus on your goals using your one word.
Every goal is achieved by taking daily steps towards it. This requires creating new positive habits, that help lead you towards your goal. As you go about your day, think about the word you have chosen.
If for example your goal is too loose weight and you go out for lunch with friends. As you look at the menu to choose what to eat, think about your word and your choice. Does it lead you closer or further away from your goal?
If your goal is to work from home, yet you accepted another shift at work. Think about how this brings you closer to your goal. What steps do you need to do to create your healthy lifestyle working from home?
My One Word for the New Year.
2020 One Word: Healthy
What healthy means to me. Healthy means living each day in gratitude, being aware of the choices I make, ensuring they lead to a healthier lifestyle. I want to strengthen and create healthy connections with family, friends and people who inspire me and who I may inspire. Healthy means creating a healthy meaningful abundant lifestyle.
2021 One Word: Action
What action means to me. Action means taking meaningful action towards my goals and my ideal life. It is asking myself ‘What can I do today to feel amazing and bring me closer to my goals?‘, or What can I do today to that helps me move to the tomorrow I envision.’ The only way to create the life I imagine is to take action while enjoying life.
Your turn now. Choose your one word for the New Year.
When you have your One Word for 2020. Decide what it means to you. Share in the comments below.
Angie blogs about setting goals and mastering habits as well as productivity and living abroad. She started blogging while learning the skills to start an online business. Her goal to work online came about due to wanting to see overseas family and travel around Australia. Her mission is to help others succeed with their goals. Angie often shares tips and tricks while walking the beaches or near the lake on the Central Coast NSW Australia.
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