It’s that time of year again when we look back on the year that has ended and forwards to the year ahead. We aren’t just stepping into a new year this time, but a new decade filled with possibilities.
If you are a regular here, you know that in addition to the traditional good wishes that accompany my “Happy New Year “greetings I encourage clients to choose three words that represent their intentions and aspirations for the year ahead.
These words set the focus for the choices and actions we make every day and act as guideposts to look back, look forward, take stock, re-evaluate or adjust so we can become a better version of ourselves.
Of course, we can’t predict everything that will happen in the coming year, but we can choose how we want to respond to things that come our way; whether those things are positive or negative.
To pick my words, I reflect on the challenges I faced in the previous year and think about who I want to be in the future. What are the traits, values and behaviours that the new me has?
From there, I pick three words that will be my guide and inspiration – and they capture my most important values.
So how did I do in 2019? How did my words and intentions play out?
One of my three words was commitment. My definition of commitment is to keep going and carry on even when you don’t feel like it anymore.
I took some risks in a particular area of my life where I wanted to see a change. It seemed really easy to start with but when the going got tough, I kept going.
I stuck it out and focused on why I wanted to make changes in the first place. So it didn’t turn out quite as effortlessly as I imagined but I have had the benefit of learning along the way.
For 2020, I have decided to try three phrases. I haven’t quite decided on the shortlist yet but I’m thinking
- Joy and aliveness
- Abundance and success
- Fun and fulfilment
What will your three words or phrases be for 2020? Answers on a postcard.