The One Word that changes everything

This time of year, we start to feel the pull to FINISH and close the books on the year.

There’s something about early darkness that draws us inward and brings the desire to curl up in front of the fireplace.

At the same time, there’s the external flurry of holiday-related activity that can feel like more pressure, obligation or just plain ol NOISE.

The volume sometimes feels depleting to me and it doesn’t match with what I long for…. deeper connection, simplicity, unstructured time to laugh, play, create and love. I need down time to recharge in a very full life of work + family + community.

At the same time, I love the traditions and gatherings in my multi-cultural and multi-faith bunch of family and friends. We celebrate with food and get-togethers to honor all the traditions of the ones I love.

To combat my internal people-pleaser, I do two things in early November.

1) I do a Minding Your Minutes yearly ritual of what went well and what was less than ideal.

What’s still lingering that I can tie up? What was meaningful?

What was messy? Where did I shine?

Where did I miss the boat?

What am I proud of?

What do I need to shift?

These are just some of the questions that ground me.

Then, I get clear on what I’m really truly grateful for RIGHT now

…. In very specific language and detail. It’s different than the daily dashed reminders of gratitude that I scribble in my planner.

This end of year ritual begins the cycle of What’s NEXT? It sets the anticipation of the turn of the calendar page and helps me stay clear on my priorities.

2) Next, I pick ONE WORD that’s my anchor theme for the upcoming year…. The value that I’m trying to externalize more fully into my life.

Some of you may be familiar with Jon Gordon’s book- One Word that Will Change Your Life. This is the inspiration. There are other spin-offs, too.

The point is that the word you choose can clear the clutter of competing priorities when everything feels like too much.

Your word can be a beacon when you’re trying to decide what to do. It can pull you out when you feel overwhelmed.

My word for 2021 has been CONNECTION because I wanted to be intentional about connecting more deeply during these long months of pandemic time.

… Intentional connection with my husband & kids, friends, family, students, clients, colleagues, other entrepreneurs, people that interest me that I’d like to know better.

I’ve captured their names and reached out to connect and share. I’ve had coffee chats, actual coffee, walk & talks, phone calls, a few dinners and a TON of Zoom connects.

It has been a year full of joy in staying close- though not always physically. Intentional connection has brought me great joy this year, as well as great learning.

This time of year, I pick a new word- usually in December…. though I’m already setting the stage.

I do a meditation & visualization exercise with journaling to get there. I ask my heart what it longs for to support my own well-being. I ask my mind what it needs to feel creative and engaged. I ask my body what it needs to feel vital and energized. I look around to see what I can contribute to my community and surroundings.

Rather than New Year’s resolutions, my One Word is the anchor intention for the year.

I still set goals in the quadrants that are important to me in Life + Work, but the theme is my Word.

My word reduces the complexity and clears the clutter.

My word takes away the temptation to say yes to everything so I can say no to things that are good but not in alignment with this anchor value.

One Word reduces the chatter when you’re stressed and struggling.

It can be uttered with a few deep breaths to interrupt the chatter of fight or flight. It’s a mantra, a prayer and a grateful reminder.

It can be a lifeline and a candle in the window.

I'm excited about picking my word for 2022!

It’s already percolating…

What about YOU? What’s your ritual to close out the year and get ready for the next?

What’s YOUR Word?