6 Steps to Choosing a Focus Word for the New Year

Since my early twenties, I've had the ritual of reflecting on my year when nearing the beginning of a new one. In addition to reflecting on the past, I choose 1-2 words to focus on in the new year. Choosing a word gives me clarity on what I want to create and how I want to FEEL in the new year. It's about being intentional daily, instead of crossing off goals and resolutions from a list.

Today, I am sharing my ritual with you in 6 steps. Before you begin, create the SPACE and time to dive into this exercise (a 1 hour window is ideal); and do yourself a favor and get out of your own way. Yes, quiet your inner critic and go with the flow.

1. Reflect: Before you choose a word, PAUSE and reflect on your previous year. Reflection is powerful as it allows us to sort through our successes, failures, patterns & habits and analyze them with the purpose of learning and growing.

2. Document: Write out your reflections. Sit with them and consciously think about how you felt generally or overall this past year. Then, consider the areas in your life that didn't go well and how you would like them to look moving forward. Remember, failures are there to move us forward, so don't get stuck there.

3. Intention Setting: FEEL as if you have already manifested what you desire. How do you feel? What do you look like?
The truth is, we carry ourselves the way we feel inside. What does a day in the life of YOU look like right now? How do you want that to look like in the new year? How do you want to feel during your morning routine, during drop-offs with the kids, at work, at home with the kids all day, before bed.....?

Maybe this last year was chaotic and full of stress. Maybe every activity and time of day was rushed and not enjoyable. Maybe you lacked structure and direction, which created burnout that robbed you from experiencing joy and gratitude.

I don't think any of us want to feel rushed through our day, burned out or stressed... We want to feel like we are in control of our days, we want to have time to enjoy our families more and soak up special moments, we want to feel valued in our work places and in our relationships with the people in our lives, we want to feel like we are being productive with the time we have on this earth, we want to understand our purpose as individuals, we want to honor our true selves and feed our souls with the desires of our hearts, we want to be successful mothers, wives, professionals, we want to live and love to our fullest potential...

What if I told you that setting intentions for the new year can help you create a different outcome for your days? That visualizing a different outcome can manifest changes in your real life? I am a firm believer that we have the power to create our lives. Each one of us has the capacity to create the lives we want; and I believe visualizing and meditating on those things is a big part of it.

4. Write it out: Write down a list of words that come to mind when thinking about how you'd like to feel in the new year, what you'd like to focus on, how you'd like to show up, what aspirations you have, etc. Don't self-edit. Let it all free flow without interruption.

Example Focus Words: Calm, Love, Self-Care, Self-Love, Transform, Trust, Heal, Organize, Forgive, Lead, Align, Present, Creative, Dream, Fearless, Confident, Surrender, Balance, Brave, Vulnerable, Discipline, Focus, Growth, Patience, Mindful, Structure, Wellness, Grace, Commit, Generous, Conquer....

5. Narrow it down: Look at the words you've chosen and highlight 3 words that resonate with you the most- maybe they give you peace or make you nervous- trust your gut instinct and highlight them anyway. Can this word be applied to the way you show up daily in all areas of your life: as a mother, a wife, a professional, an entrepreneur, a sister/friend, etc.?

Remember, this doesn't have to be permanent. You can revisit the words you highlight in a few days to see if you feel different about them. BUT, the goal is to choose just ONE word. I would also say, add GRACE as a bonus word, to remind you to be gentle with yourself and your process. You deserve Grace.

6. Make the commitment: The most important part of this process is making the decision to commit to doing whatever it takes to implement your words and bring more of it into your life. Make your word visible by placing it somewhere you will see it daily for the next 365 days. Also, share your word with your partner and close friends for accountability because you are more likely to stay omitted if you are sharing it and talking about it.

Are you with me, Mamas? Are you going to join me in my annual ritual and commit to a focus word in 2020? Let me know in the comments if you’re joining me! Do you have a different end of year activity for going into the new year? I would love to hear all about it- share it in the comments or send me an email.

Wishing you all a year full of an abundance of joy, peace, love, clarity & Grace. You deserve it all, Mama!