Word of the year vs. resolution
The end of the year always includes quite a bit of reflection and goal setting for what is to come. Honestly, I’ve never really been one to stick with a resolution. I think it’s the multi-passionate side of me – one specific thing is hard for me.
A couple of years ago I learned about having a word for the year at a convention for a company I represented. A few months after attending that convention, my word for 2016 became “Bold.” Looking back, I chose the word because that was the word the presenter used. Really creative, right?
As I reflect on that word choice and the year that followed, I know that I didn’t use the power of one word to its fullest potential…but ultimately, I grew more bold (bolder?) in the year that followed and continue to work on this.
2017’s word choice didn’t have quite the same impact on my life as I had hoped. It was “consistent”. Maybe because there are too many varied areas in which I need to be more consistent and it felt overwhelming. It may also be because early in the year it became apparent that my struggle with endometriosis (and complications from surgeries) and infertility had left me in quite a state of depression. My focus shifted to a more important task of pulling myself out of that state.
What is my 2018 word of the year?
Well, now that you’ve made it this far into the post, you’ve already seen it in the graphic above. 😉 Clever, huh? Yes, my 2018 word of the year is “growth.”
How did I pick my word of the year?
There is a semi-complicated back story about how 2017 progressed but there was a point in mid-summer where I had an epiphany of sorts. The plan and dreams I had for my future changed because of endometriosis and the fact that I cannot conceive. We may adopt someday but I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what I truly want in my life – not what my life is supposed to look like.
I really felt like it was a struggle to decide on my one word because I want to feel successful a year from now when I reflect on my word (I failed at consistency last year haha). So, this year I choose to focus on a word that has already been on my mind.
Growth
I cannot wait to grow in 2018…in all areas of my life except my waistline. Haha.
Here are some of my thoughts on how I will let “growth” impact my life this coming year:
- acceptance
- moving forward
- moving in a positive direction
- change
- learn
- business & team growth
Most importantly, I’m working on growth for myself. I’m not picking a word of the year because it’s what I’m supposed to do. I want to discover my purpose and passion (whether that is one or more!) and feel fulfilled in life.