Picked out your word for the year yet?
- col-kate-shumaker
- December 28, 2023
- 569
For many years I shared articles about New Year’s resolutions — lose weight, save money — and how so many of us don’t stick to them, myself included.
Interestingly, there has been a trend over the past few years toward shifting away from resolutions toward a word for the year. For some people it is just one word; others pick a few words while some people pick a group of words around a theme. You do you.
The idea is to select a word that speaks to you, that you are committed to. This will serve as guide for your intentions, decisions and self-awareness. How do you find this word? Everyone is different, but there seem to be several general steps that are recommended to assist in identifying what may be your word for the year.
Be honest with yourself. Some of this may best be done in quiet, relaxed moments.
First, reflect on the past year. What went well? What didn’t? What do you want to change? What were the biggest highlights of the year? What do you want more of in your life? Less of? How do you feel at the end of the day now? How do you want to feel? What made you feel stressed? What habits do you want to change?
Next, look forward. Visualize how you want to feel in the future. Think about your values, intentions and goals. How does where you want be in life line up to where you currently are in wellness and mental health, physical health, relationships, and work?
Thirdly, start creating a list of words that come to mind. You can ask yourself, “What word do I want to focus on in 2024?” Write down whatever comes to mind. Below are some ideas to get you started. Once you have your list, circle three to five words that speak to you. Your one word may simply pop right out at you. You may have to try on a few different words before you find the one that feels just right. That’s OK. There may even be a theme between the words you are selecting.
Focus, Grow, Organize, Simplify, Bloom, Brave, Inspire, Thrive, Gratitude, Consistency, Balance, Be, Worth, Elevate, Today, Less, Mindful, Considerate, Calm, Positivity, Respect, Appreciate, Enlighten, Intentional, Flow, Family, Slow, Possibility, Persevere, Love, More, Reflect, Light, Heart, Now, Passion, Joy, Unlimited, Kindness, Play, Thoughtful, Deliberate, Trust, Conscious, Increase, Breathe, Commit, Seek, Pause, Forward, Change, Listen, Free, Build, Flourish, Move, Renew, Progress, Explore, Finish, Hope, Fearless, Happy, Spirit, Glorious, Grace, Truth, Belong, Strive, Always, Compassion, Energy, Sacred, Persist, Bridge, Determination, Enough, Improve, Strength, Encourage, Wake, Present, Beauty, Enthusiasm, Connect, Alignment, Priority, Create, New, Faith, Believe, Transform, Integrity, Gentle, Expansion, Grounded, Harmony, Action, Ambition, Purpose, Hero, Dream, Magic, Shine, Peace, Try, Teach, Compromise, Imagine, Learn, Wonder, Embrace, Courage, Humble, Wish, Work, Smile, Meditate, Lead, Celebrate, Relax, Pray, Sparkle, Represent, Whole, Journey, Prosper, Contribute, Discipline, Laugh, Here, Shift, Delight, Patience, Cultivate, Stillness, Serenity, Vision, Wisdom, Vulnerability, Adventure, Example, Comfort, Give, Rise, Perspective, Glow, Forgive, Observe, Soul.
Finally, it’s time to select your word. Your word may make you a little uneasy because you know you are pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Your word may bring you peace, comfort or empowerment. Your word should be something you know in your heart you need more of. What word can you commit to for 2024?
Once you have selected your word, live it. Post it in places you will see it every day. Ask yourself if the things you are doing are helping you. Check in with yourself on a regular basis to make sure your word still resonates with you. (And it’s OK if it no longer does.)
So if you are asking if I have picked my word for 2024 yet, the answer is no. I’m still working on it. I’ll keep you posted. Happy New Year!
Kate Shumaker is an OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator and may be called at 330-674-3015. Like and follow on Facebook @OSUEXTHolmes or visit https://holmes.osu.edu.