Your Word of the Year: Why It Matters

The infamous word of the year. Are you “engaging,” “thriving,” “loving,” or “dreaming” this year? The word of the year concept became popular a few of years ago. The idea behind this is you pick a word that is going to define the coming year. Sometimes it is about a change you want to make or a specific way you want to live.

I personally love the concept. In fact, I myself picked a word of the year for 2102, 2103, 2014, and 2015. My word had real meaning the first three years. If I’m being completely honest, I don’t even remember what my word was for 2015 (it might have been priorities, since that is what I focused on, but your guess is as good as mine).

The word you choose for the year should not be a stand-alone concept. This becomes a meaningless word, almost like your New Years Resolution without the action steps to accomplish them.  Everything you do that is of importance should have this word, this concept, weaved into your actions. Your word should be a focal point for your year.

Want your word to be meaningful?

Your Word of the Year

Some people say you don’t choose a word, a word chooses you. I don’t quite believe that. I do think our circumstances help us in choosing our word and how we want to move forward in the following year.

For example, in 2011, I was barely surviving. I worked full time, had a new baby, first time mom, and was in grad school. At the end of that year, my soul was tired. I decided I needed to make some changes in how I spent my time and that I would THRIVE in 2012. I made sure all of I did helped lead me in that direction, to thrive instead of simply surviving.

Your circumstances and who you want to become help you choose your word.

Your word can morph half way through the year as well. Circumstances change. Pick a word that is good for now, it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Set Your Priorities

Your word should help shape and set your priorities. If you don’t know what your priorities are, I encourage you to check out this tool to help you discover them. Your priorities should dictate your calendar.

You choose a word to shape all of your experiences. This could mean you want to Thrive or Focus or Dream or Intentional. Your word should then set your priorities.  Your priorities should then dictate your calendar.

These Impact Your Goals

Your word and your priorities should directly support your goals. You have dreams and plans of books to write, people to spend time with, work to accomplish. As you look towards the year to come, your word and your priorities should directly impact your goals in a positive way.  As you set your priorities and goals, your calendar should be filled with actions to support your goals.

Your word should be weaved seamlessly into your world.

It really is simple.

When you don’t set it up this way, your word, the meaning and specific intentionality behind that word can get lost. It was important to you for a reason, so don’t forget why.

Remember, in all you do, make sure you say yes to the things that support your priorities and goals.

If your word doesn’t support your priorities and goals, you may have picked the wrong word.

Do you have a word for 2016? Share below!

Here’s to the Journey!

P.S.- Continue the conversation on Facebook! I would love to hear how I can help you on your journey. To receive up to date content, sign up to receive my free 7 Steps to a Prioritized Life on the home page and posts will be delivered right to your inbox.  If Facebook isn’t your favorite social media site, you can connect with me on Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.