Word of the Year

It’s about to be the start of 2022! For many of us that means once again setting New Year’s resolutions.

I can honestly say I’ve never been one to do New Year’s Resolutions. I feel like New Year’s Resolutions are either so attainable that it doesn’t push us forward, or they are so far out of reach that we can never achieve them.

I don’t believe I need a date on the calendar to make a change in my life. 2020 was a year unlike any other, and most of us were glad when it ended. Some would agree that 2021 has been just as difficult. I felt like I wanted to do something to encapsulate the growth and positivity that I need for this new year.

That means for the first time ever I will be doing a word of the year.

What is a word of the year?

It’s a term I heard last year listening to Coffee Convos Podcast. I feel like it is a much more attainable version of a New Years Resolution. You choose a word that deeply resonates with you and will guide your actions, goals, and objectives for the year.

Rather than being stuck with specific goals that you set at the beginning of the year, that may not matter as much to you half way into the year, a word of the year leaves room for change and growth. It provides an anchor and encourages you to consciously and subconsciously consider this word when making decisions — what you want more of and what you want less of in your life.

How do you choose a word of the year?

Sometimes we know exactly what we need in our lives, and sometimes we need to think a bit.

Here are some simple questions to get you thinking..

• How has this past year been? What is something you could improve on, do differently, or keep working on?
• What is something that isn’t going so well in your life right now? What is a word that is the opposite or more positive alternative?
• What do you want more of in your life?

My word of the year is Mindful.

When picking my word of the year, I wanted something that would remind me to focus my attention on the present moment, and do things differently than I’ve been doing them. I want the reminder to manage my thoughts and feelings. I want it to work on my goals with my family and in my personal growth.

If you still can’t think of anything, I have a list of my top 10 that I thought of when coming up with my word. There are also so many examples and articles online that list hundreds of words.

• Discipline
• Heal (𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦)
• Aware
• Connect
• Transform
• Consistency
• Focus
• Patience
• Simplify
• Connect

Are you doing a word of the year for 2022? If so what is your word of the year? If not, feel free to share your goals or New Year’s resolutions in the comment section below!