Word of the Year and How to Choose One
New year’s resolutions never really worked for me. So instead, since 2018, I've been choosing a WORD of the year. This word becomes a guiding presence throughout the year, reminding me of what I want to focus on in my personal and professional life. It's almost like a mantra I can revisit whenever I need to start fresh and refocus on my priorities and desired feelings.
For those new to this concept, the practice of choosing a "Word of the Year" is just that. Instead of making various New Year's Resolutions, you select a single word to be your focus for the year.
My previous words of the year have been:
2023: Growth
2022: Abundance
2021: Resilience
2020: Gratitude
2019: Happy
2018: Brave
Each word I chose served me perfectly at the time and the season of life I was in. Choosing a word can be powerful, allowing you to focus on what is important to you, shaping the reality you want to create. Once chosen, you can set it as your phone’s lock screen, write it on post-it notes for your bathroom mirror or above your desk, or frame it and put it on your nightstand. Keep it in the forefront of your mind, using it as a gentle reminder throughout the year.
How to Pick a Word of the Year
There’s no magic formula to picking your word of the year. What comes to mind when you think of 2024? What are you looking for, and what do you desire in the new year?
Here are some steps you can take:
Write down any words that immediately come to mind.
Read through the list of words provided at the bottom of this blog and see if any jump out at you.
Go with your initial “gut” reaction and what “speaks” to you.
The word you choose should be powerful and positive, reflecting the path you want your life to be on. It’s okay if you think of a lot of words at first. This means you’re passionate and have many dreams and goals. Or maybe just indecisive, like me (LOL).
Once you have a short list of words, start to narrow them down. There are no wrong answers; this is your personal word, so have fun with it! Your one little word is just a guide. If life takes you in a different direction throughout the year, that's okay too!
I look forward to hearing about your chosen word for 2024! Feel free to share it in the comments below. I'll be sharing mine once I've decided on my word for this year.
