How To Choose Your Word of the Year

Every single year, I choose one word to represent my upcoming year. I do this instead of setting New Year’s Resolutions because the concept of having a word of the year is to have something that anchors you.

It also gives you a lens or filter to see everything through.

During this week’s podcast episode, I’m going to help you choose your own word of the year (WOTY), and how to use that word to drive you being super intentional in every aspect of your life and business.

Let’s get into it!

Key Takeaways:

>> [1:07] Welcome to the first episode of 2020! Having a word of the year is an amazing way to kick-start your year and I’m going to get into why that is, how to come up with your own WOTY, and how to use your WOTY to become super intentional in every aspect of your life and business.

>> [2:43] Some people have New Year’s Resolutions; however, I do not. Instead of setting New Year’s Resolutions, I set goals. This is a great podcast you should check out if you’re keen to set goals for 2020.

>> [4:15] I thought I’d share with you what my 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 WOTYs were and what my 2020 word of the year is!

2016 - Authentic

2017 - Intention

2018 - Growth

2019 - Ease

2020 - Love

>> [5:19] When you choose your WOTY, you’re going to feel in total alignment with that word. Don’t choose a word because it sounds like something you should be choosing and don’t overthink it!

>> [6:30] I want to share with you some of the words that my Social Method Society Members have picked for 2020!

Susanne from @susannelilleyphotography chose the word “Organised”.

Robyn Miller from @mentalloadproject chose the word “Bolder”.

Leanne Rowe from @limeandmortar chose the word “Ambition”.

Joanna from @lifethreadboutique chose the word “Fearless”.

Choosing Your Word of the Year

>> [9:40] Who you are being as a person is going to drive what you do in your business. And this has a direct effect on what you experience or what you have.

>> [10:42] Some individuals choose their word of the year through meditation, but maybe that’s not your jam. Maybe you prefer to walk? Or maybe through some form of movement? Prayer? Or just sitting by yourself?

The thing all of these practices have in common is solitude. It’s having time by yourself with your own thoughts.

>> [12:00] Carve some time out for yourself, as little as 5 or 10 minutes, to practice solitude in some form. Then ask yourself, “What do I need in order to welcome the most positive growth and abundance in my life and business in 2020?” And then sit and be while the word comes to you.

>> [14:20] You need to lean into your word of the year, so the first thing you should do is write it down. What I’ve done is write my word of the year in the middle of my chalkboard door, and I welcome anyone questions about my word.

Moving Forward With Your Word Of The Year

>> [16:00] Brainstorm or journal around the below categories to gain clarity around your year.

Relationships

Health

Business

Family

Society

Religion/Spirituality

Life

Finance

The write your word really big in the middle of your paper.

Ask yourself, “How am I going to bring more and intentional and bring (insert your word of the year) into my Relationships?”

Do this for each of the categories.

>> [17:59] Last year, in 2019, whenever a decision would come up or things would feel hard/heavy or overwhelmed, I would bring my focus back to my word of the year. I’d ask myself, “How can I make this easy?”

>> [22:55] What can be the ripple effect of bri...