Every year for the past five years or so I've had a word that helps to guide me.
On January 1st I don't wish people a happy new year here in bloggersville, but rather "Happy New Word".
In fact I love this concept so much that I use it with my clients to help guide them through their success journeys.
In 2012 my word was "Focus" which allowed me to really knuckle down and launch my children's book series and the associated brand. That word served me well and was probably one of my most successful years when it came to kicking goals.
The following year I went on to "Will", then in 2014 I moved to "Solution", and 2015 was the year of "Opportunity".
This year I couldn't stick with one word. This year was the year of "onward and upward".
Why?
Well because this was the year I needed to move forward. It's the year I wanted to make measurable progress. I wanted another year like 2012 where I aimed high and reaped the rewards.
Did I do it?
I think I may have. Sure there were rejections and challenges and bloody big spanners in the works, but for each of these I was able to simply say "onward and upward".
I'm not going to reflect on the wins here today. That's my NYE post. What I am going to do though is encourage everyone to start thinking about a word for 2017. Something to help guide and keep you on track. A compass if you will.
I've already thought of my word for 2017. It's a tiny little word that will pack a punch. The type of word that empowers and keeps you strong. But you'll have to come back on January 1 to find out what it is.
That's what I'm loving about life this week. WORDS. Big or small, they really are mighty. Take the "S" off sword and it's just a word you're left with after all.
Do you participate in the "happy new word" concept?
What will your word for 2017 be?
Anybody know what mine is?
* * * * *
It's time for the Lovin' Life Linky brought to you by Team Lovin' Life: Deep Fried Fruit, Seize the Day Project, Debbish, Write of the Middle, 50 Shades of Age and Lifestyle Fifty #teamlovinlife
I like this idea but I'm so indecisive. I'd have a list of words as long as my arm and maybe whittle it down to 10 words ;)
ReplyDeleteI do very much like "focus" though.
Focus was a good one. Sounds like the perfect word for you too! LOL.
DeleteLOL, of course. I didn't even notice it till you pointed it out!
DeleteGreat idea, Leanne! I'm off to think of mine.
ReplyDeleteSSG xxx
Can't wait to hear what it is SSG. Perhaps a good post for NY day?
DeleteMy 2016 was kinda crappy, but not as awful as the 2 previous years so I guess it was an improvement. Here's to an even better 2017...hopefully....will start thinking about a word...
ReplyDeleteBugger it was crappy. Bring on 2017!
DeleteAnything has to be better than 2016, right? What a year for the world!
ReplyDeleteThe world definitely had some serious challenges. But then again, it seems to be the way of the world these days ...
DeleteI've had a word for the past two years but not this year and I did miss the extra motivation that having a focus word brings. In 2014 my word was 'dream' and last year my word was 'do'. I'm tossing around a couple of different words for next year.
ReplyDeleteIngrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
I find it really keeps me centred. Helps direct me when things aren't going my way. Onward and upward was particularly good for this.
DeleteI have done the word/words thing for the past few years and then in around 3 months or so of each year I have either forgotten them or moved on. This year I had two and I am probably not going to have ONE word again but more of an overall theme for myself. It is good however, to consider a word or two as a focus for the new year because it sure beats those where we promise to do all kinds of unrealistic things.. Thank you for you linky once more Leanne, I have written a bit about the year that was for me as a blogger in 2016. Denyse x
ReplyDeleteYou've had a great bloggy year Denyse. So many changes but ones that ended in growth.
DeleteWhat a great idea. I've always had new year resolutions, well sort of, and not expected to stick to them and generally haven't. I'm much more motivated by words, so having just one will be a big inspiration to achieve worthwhile things in 2017. My word will be: Inspire
ReplyDeleteI never stuck to NY resolutions. The word works really well for me.
DeleteLeanne I love this idea of "one word" to motivate you for the upcoming new year. Rather than make silly New Year's Resolutions. I think my "word" for 2017 will be "foster" as I need to start promoting my blog and freelance writing skills more. Good luck with yours and I'm looking forward to reading your achievements. :)
ReplyDeleteFoster is a great word!
DeleteHi Leanne, I love 'onward and upward' so positive. My word for 2016 was Balance however I'm not sure I really achieved it. I'm setting my word for 2017 as Simplify. Simplifying my life of stresses, clutter and all that doesn't really matter. Perhaps I will find my Balance in 2017? Sue from Sizzling Towards Sixty.
ReplyDeleteWe are bloggy word twins this week!
DeleteI actually had to go search my blog because I had no idea what word I had chosen for this year! I knew I would have blogged about it though.
ReplyDeleteMy word was reclaim. I felt like I had spent many years pretending to be someone I'm not (mostly out of desperation to get a job in the leaner years I'd had recently) and I just got so, so tired of it.
I think I did reclaim but it looked very different to how I thought it might at that time. In 2016 I achieved a lot but it was at a great price (on many levels of 'price') so it's feeling less like an achievement right now as I work through the tiredness.
2017 will be the first year in possibly ever that I don't have to look for work or study after work. I could have hobbies!
Wow, such a different year 2017 will be for you. Hobbies!!
DeleteI haven't, but it makes me stop and think each year. I'll let you know if I come up with something for 2017!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear what it might be. I'd love for you to do it.
DeleteI've been doing a word of the year for the last couple of years. My one for 2015 was Release and in 2016 it was Embrace. For 2017 I'm choosing Enough - because I'm finally realizing that I am enough and I have enough - and that really is enough! Love your words and look forward to your big reveal in January.
ReplyDeleteGreat words!
DeleteI've never done the word of the year thing... it's something I struggle with. I've recently restarted yoga and our instructor usually asks us to think of our / intent for that day and I pick my brain for a word that's meaningful and not too naff! ('Strong' usually features quite regularly!)
ReplyDeleteStrong is actually a great word. It would be a great word for 2017.
DeleteOoooh...I love this idea. Now you really got me thinking---I'll have to come up with a word for 2017
ReplyDeletejodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
I look forward to hearing what your word might be!
DeleteI certainly do think you have delivered on your words onward and upward! You've achieved incredible things Leanne and should be very proud of yourself! I used to choose a word for the year - I've had BELIEVE and TRUST (only ones I can remember at the moment) but one year I totally didn't deliver on my word and felt so disappointed in myself that I didn't choose a word for the following year. I'm not sure if I will choose a word for 2017 and if I were to - I'm not sure what it would be. I look forward to hearing what your 2017 word will be! :-) xo #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteBelieve is a goodie. I actually use that word a lot in my life. In fact, I wear jewellery that has BELIEVE on it. She believed she could so she did ...
DeleteYeah, I do the word thing. Mine this year was a phrase: do epic shit. It was an awesomely epic year. In so many many ways.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I love that! LOL. Do epic shit .... hahahahaha. Glad it worked for you!
DeleteNice one. I think 2016 has been the year of "enough" and 2017 will be "ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-changes"
ReplyDeleteNow I'm singing ...
DeleteI tend to pick a theme song for the year, rather than a word.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! What's your theme song for 2017?
DeleteWhat a great idea! I think my word could be 'align' as in staying balanced and aligned. And to do this, I have to focus on being positive, do regular yoga, reiki and use my crystals. That's good enough for me! #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteSounds good!
DeleteMy New Year Word: "Perseverance."
ReplyDeleteHave a great New Year!
—Charles
Happy New Year! (happy new word)
Delete