Note: Like a lot of people, I got this from Chris Brogan. If you somehow have not heard of him or don’t know his stuff, go here. He’s great and has been very helpful over the years.
The three words for the year is a fairly simple concept. Give yourself three words to focus on during the year rather than resolutions. If you post them and think about them throughout the year, they help with staying focused and with marking progress.
The really cool thing about the concept is that it can be used in so many ways. For some people, the three words are aspirational. There is a certain appeal to “king” for example (not the dictator-by-birth type but the acknowledged master of something like the “King of Pop”). For others, they are a daily mantra of something to be or do. “Love,” “kind,” and “creative” seem to come up a lot. Others may have secret meanings. For more on what people have chosen and why, check out the hashtag #MyThreeWords.
I’ll be honest, 2016 was a difficult year for a lot of reasons. Although I did stick to my three words (diligence, dedication, and creativity), it was a year of curveballs. I made some difficult choices, changed trajectory, and had to rebuild things that I thought were solid. However, 2017 is already looking bright, so my three words for 2017 are: momentum, refresh, and blossom.
Momentum
I’m really happy with the way things are going right now and am looking to build on the momentum. I’ve got that feeling when you crest a hill on a pair of skis or a bike and start gaining speed. After working hard this fall to get a number of thing in place (a newsletter, a good group of colleagues, a number of really wonderful clients and partnerships), I feel like I have some momentum professionally. Projects that have been stalled are getting the green light. We’re picking up speed.
Refresh
After a 2016 that seemed to drain me, I feel refreshed and ready to go. There is a lot of work to be done, not just for my business but even more importantly for the issues that matter most to me. I am refreshed and ready to fight to protect the natural spaces on this earth. I am ready to do my part to serve the people around me, near and far, that may need my help in coming years. I am ready to step up and be counted among those who stand for everyone.
Blossom
This could be one of my favorite choices this year. I planted a lot of seeds last year and am hoping to see blossoms come up. I also feel like I am blossoming. I have a better sense of the things I’m good at and how to make the most of the skills I have. At the same time, I am continuing to learn so much and deepen my expertise in some cool new areas.
Those are my words for 2017. What’s on your mind? If you want to share three words, please do. Post using the hashtag #MyThreeWords or tag me on whatever social media platform you play on. Or email me. I like that too.