Resolutions are sooooo last year. And with less than 8% of people sticking to their resolutions, we’ve got to find a better way. In terms of resolutions, 2020 was a total bust for most people in attempting to eat healthy, limit booze and not lose their shit on their kids. With a new year in front of us, most people are saying ‘Byeee’ to resolutions. But with a ritual of making resolutions so ingrained in us, it’s left me feeling a little lost and without direction. While scrolling through IG, I saw several people sharing their WORD of the year. Something that was going to guide them through 2021. I was intrigued. This strategy felt a little looser than set resolutions.
So what word is going to guide my year you ask?
How do you even choose a word?
How do you hold yourself accountable?
Can one word really encompass the traditional resolutions you set?
I had so many questions. So I gave it a good think.
Hmmm… I always do a workout related resolution. I’d really like to focus on self-care and personal growth this year. I’d like to actually finish tasks instead of leaving them incomplete. I’d like to make a deeper connection with family and friends. I want to work on being more positive. I want to learn and develop my skillset for my work as a School Counselor.
With that brain dump, I came a few words… Move, Grow, and Learn.
Now, no one says you have to do just one word. Also, it can be a word for you or your family. But I looked at the three words and thought, if I’m going to do this I’m going to have to focus my efforts on just one word. If the other ones happen along the way, then so be it. As someone who starts something new often and doesn’t complete tasks, focusing on one word felt like the best bet.
I settled on Move.
Here is how I plan to focus on the word throughout the year…
Move Physically: consistent exercise & daily movement
Move Emotionally: grow, learn & listen
Move Professionally: help others & create content
Move Others: inspire, help, educate & give
There are so many ways to choose your word and make a plan of incorporating it into your life.
Here are a few of my favorite explanations for choosing your Word of the Year from:
I like the idea of not having set parameters for my Word of the Year. I’m not saying workout for 30 minutes every day and eat this many calories each day. I’m not saying read 12 books this year and listen to 30 minutes a day of meditation. With this approach, I believe having a word of intention helps guide my daily habits and doesn’t make me feel like I’ve failed on day two because I missed a workout, ate a cookie or argued with my spouse. We might be on to something here.
Do you think that you’d prefer a Word of the Year or a resolution? What would your Word of the Year be for 2021?
