The practice of selecting a “Word of the Year” has become a popular and powerful tool for guiding intentions, setting goals, and fostering personal growth. Instead of setting numerous resolutions, focusing on a single guiding word can provide a clear and impactful direction for the year ahead. At Live Your Dream Board, we believe in the transformative potential of this practice.
Let’s explore the steps to choosing your Word of the Year and how it can empower the year ahead. This step typically comes after you have taken time to write your goals.
Reflect on Goals and Aspiration for the Next 12 Months
Start by reflecting on your aspirations, values, and desired areas of growth. Consider what you have chosen to achieve based on six life categories: health/fitness, faith/spirituality, money/finance, personal/adventure, family/relationships, professional/career. Also take a few minutes to consider past experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned. This introspective process lays the foundation for selecting a word that resonates deeply with your intentions.
Identify Core Themes
Identify recurring themes or feelings that emerge from your reflections. Is there a particular quality, mindset, or emotion you wish to cultivate or embody? These could range from courage, resilience, and authenticity to joy, mindfulness, or gratitude. Let your inner compass guide you toward words that encapsulate your aspirations.
Brainstorm and Narrow Down Word Options
Engage in a brainstorming session. Write down a list of words that align with your intentions and themes. Allow yourself to explore various possibilities without limitations. Then, narrow down your list to a few select words that truly encapsulate what you aim to focus on in the upcoming year.
Connect on an Emotional Level
As you refine your list, pay attention to how each word makes you feel. Your chosen word should evoke a sense of inspiration, motivation, and resonance. It should ignite a spark within you, fostering excitement and a sense of purpose whenever you think about it.
Test for Alignment
Ensure that your chosen word aligns with your goals, values, and aspirations. It should serve as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions throughout the year. Reflect on whether the word empowers and supports your journey toward personal and professional fulfillment.
Declare Your Final Word
Once you’ve identified the word that resonates most powerfully with you, declare it as your ‘Word of the Year’. Write it down, create an image for your vision board, create visual representations just as keychain, jewelry, artwork, and incorporate it into your daily routine. Keep it visible—on your vision board, as a screensaver on computer and cell phone, or in a journal—to continually reinforce its significance.
Embrace the Journey
Remember, your Word of the Year isn’t just a fleeting resolution; it’s a guiding principle for the entire year. Embrace the journey, allowing your chosen word to shape your decisions, actions, and mindset. Embrace its transformative power and let it lead you toward growth and fulfillment.
Choosing your Word of the Year is a profound and personal process. It’s about setting intentions, fostering growth, and empowering your dreams. At Live Your Dream Board, we encourage you to embark on this empowering journey of self-discovery and purpose. Choose your word, embody its essence, and watch it catalyze positive changes in your life throughout the year.
For some of you, this exercise is quick. But for most, you may spend an hour, a day or even a few weeks coming up with the word that will guide your next 12 months.
We know one thing…that once you’ve chosen a Word of the Year, it will become something you look forward to each year!
Need additional help choosing your Word of the Year? Our Vision Board Kits include a comprehensive list of over 400 words to get your juices flowing.
You can also check out our 6 Easy Steps to Building an Intentional Vision Board for more inspiration