With Christa, the Christmas Elf with a Plan – 11 December
Christa’s got a fun End of the Year Planning Tip today. Tip #11 is to choose a word or theme for the new year. The challenge is to find a word, theme, or even a mantra that ties to all your goals and aspirations for the new year. It can help to keep you focused and pressing forward toward your goals throughout the year ahead.
Why Choose a Word or Theme?
A carefully chosen word (or theme) can act as a compass that keeps you true to your values and priorities. It can make goal setting easier. Viewing all of your goals across different aspects of your life relative to a common word or theme will help you clarify those goals and ensure they are aligned to one another.
Your word can inspire positive change and personal growth. It can lift you up when you are feeling overwhelmed by reminding you of what you are accomplishing. Your word can also keep you grounded by reminding you of your intentions. It can be a filter when faced with choices so that your decisions align with your values and plans for the year.
How to Choose a Word or Theme
If you’ve been following along with Christa’s Planning Tips, you’ve already been spending some time thinking back over the last year and. You’ve reflected on what went well, what didn’t go so well, and where you’d like to make changes. Think now about what feelings you want to carry forward and strengthen in the new year. Think about the goals that you have in mind and the person you are working to become.
Select some positive words that connect to those feelings and goals. Try to keep it simple, but meaningful. Try each of the words you come up with out. Find the one that resonates strongest with the how you wish to feel, your goals and your values. Visualize what the word represents for you and how it will motivate you.
Make Your Word Visible to You
Put your word in places you will see daily. Write it on a Post-It note and stick it on the bathroom mirror. Print it out in a beautiful font and frame it for your desk and wall. Find or make stickers with your word. Create a vision board with your word at the center surrounded by images and support your vision. Look for inspirational quotes that include your word and display them or use them in your planner. Put it in unexpected places. Stick a Post-It on the sun-visor in your car or on the back of the cabinet door you open to get a coffee cup.
Some Ideas to Get You Started
Here’s a few ideas to jump-start your thinking:
- Balance: Focus on harmony in work, relationships, and self-care.
- Explore: Step outside your comfort zone and embrace new experiences.
- Thrive: Go beyond surviving; aim for flourishing in all areas of life.
- Focus: Prioritize what truly matters and eliminate distractions.
- Progress: Celebrate small wins and keep moving forward.
- Discipline: Commit to consistent effort toward your goals.
- Simplify: Clear clutter—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- Listen: Be present and genuinely hear others.
- Community: Foster meaningful connections with those around you.
- Gratitude: Appreciate the people and moments that bring joy.
- Wellness: Prioritize physical, mental, and emotional health.
- Energy: Protect and nurture your vitality.
- Nourish: Feed your body, mind, and soul with positive influences.
- Strength: Build resilience and physical or mental power.
- Flow: Embrace the process without forcing outcomes.
- Courage: Face challenges and fears with bravery.
- Patience: Trust the timing of your journey.
- Hope: Stay optimistic about what lies ahead.
- Freedom: Let go of what holds you back.
I’ve got my word narrowed down to 3 choices right now – discipline, courage, or freedom. I will need to decide soon.
I hope you find the perfect word for your focus for the coming year.
If you missed any of Christa’s earlier End of the Year Planning Tips, you can head back to Tip #1 by clicking here.
Happy Planning,
Linda
Tell me what you think …