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Episode #80
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New year, new you, right? Except that by the time February rolls around, most of us have already abandoned our grandiose new year's resolutions in favour of our usual habits. Now, I have not had new year’s resolutions for a few years. Instead, I have done something different that not only works but allows you to easily focus on more than one element in your life to improve.
THE POWER OF A WORD
What I do is have a power word for the year. It might seem like a small change, but trust me – choosing a single word to focus on can be much more impactful (and simpler) than trying to overhaul your entire life with a lengthy resolution list. Plus, it's more likely to stick. With a word, you have a guiding light that you can draw inspiration and motivation from throughout the year. No pressure to become a whole new person overnight – just small, achievable steps towards your goals.
As you may have guessed by the title of this episode, I binge-watched The Rings Of Power over the holidays! If you are not a fan, this is the prequel series to The Lord of the Rings trilogy of movies based on the books of Tolkien. In a nutshell, the running theme across the series and movies is that 20 rings of power were created including one ring to rule them all. No matter how powerful the rings were individually the One Ring could always control the wearers of the other rings.
Your power word for the year works in the same way. The power word you choose will guide you in every aspect of your life. It will help you make decisions and give you a focus for your plans. It also means that if you choose more than one word, which some people like to do, the power word is the most important to focus on. It comes before everything else. So for example, your power word could be ‘Brave’. In this case, you might go for a new way to keep fit that you haven’t tried before because it’s more challenging, in your friendships you may bravely decide to pull away from toxic people in your life, in work you may ask for that promotion or finally decide to leave for something new. The power word can have an influence over all aspects of your life and, because it’s just one word, it’s easier to remember and remind yourself of when needed.
CHOOSING YOUR POWER WORD
But how do you choose that power word? The trick is not to overthink it. You need to let it come to you by instinct if possible. Often it will just pop into your head based on your review of last year (if you’ve done one) as you will have seen what you need to focus more on based on your successes and development areas. But if you can’t think of a word, try these three tips:
Personal Values And Goals
The first tip for choosing your word is to reflect on your personal values and goals. What are the things that are most important to you? What are your aspirations for the year ahead? Your word should be something that aligns with your values and helps you achieve your goals. For example, if one of your values is family and you hope to spend more quality time with your loved ones in the coming year, a word like "togetherness" or "connection" might be a good fit. Or if your goal is to prioritize your physical health, a word like "wellness" or "strength" could be motivating.
It's important to choose a word that speaks to your unique values and goals, and that resonates with you on a deeper level. Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you, and choose a word that will inspire you to make positive changes and pursue your aspirations in the new year.
- Challenges and Opportunities
Next, you can consider the challenges and potential opportunities in the coming year. Now, we know what you're thinking – why bring up all the things that could go wrong? But here's the thing: your word for the year should be something that helps you navigate any challenges that come your way and seize any opportunities that arise.
For example, if you anticipate a lot of change and uncertainty in the coming year, a word like "adaptability" or "resilience" might be a good fit. Or if you see a lot of exciting opportunities on the horizon, a word like "adventure" or "opportunity" could be just the thing to keep you motivated.
So don't just focus on the negatives – think about all the possibilities that the new year holds, and choose a word that will help you make the most of them. And as always, make sure it's something that resonates with you on a deeper level and speaks to your unique goals and aspirations. It should feel right in your gut.
- Meaningful And Inspiring
Finally, look for a word that is meaningful and inspiring to you. This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to choose a word that has personal significance and that truly motivates you to be your best self. It should be a word that you can draw inspiration and strength from as you work towards your goals like ‘Hope’, ‘Determination’ or ‘Gratitude’. The key is to choose a word that speaks to your unique personality and aspirations.
There are no right or wrong power words as they are unique to the person thinking of them. If it means something to you and will motivate and inspire you to take action then go for it.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR POWER WORD
Now what? What do you do with the word now you have it?
Well don’t just leave it in your head…make sure to put your word into action.
- Write your word down and keep it somewhere visible, like on your fridge or your desktop screen or your phone screen. This will help you keep your word on top of your mind and remind you of your intentions for the year.
- Share your word with others. Talk to your friends and family about your word and how it fits into your goals for the year. Not only will this help you stay accountable, but it will also give you a chance to share your inspiration with those you care about.
- Reflect on your progress. Throughout the year, take some time to reflect on how your word has helped you stay motivated and focused. What has worked well, and what could be improved upon? This will help you stay on track and make the most of your word in the coming year.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS…
A power word can help you navigate challenges, and motivate you to be your best self in the year ahead. It’s your anchor as you navigate through the year's highs and lows. So choose one that will bring purpose and direction to your journey in the year ahead.
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