Back in January, did you happen to complete the “Word of the Year” exercise?
This is a great tool for divining a word that can serve as your beacon for the year. I highly recommend you take an hour to do this, if you haven’t already. If you have, I hope you’ll share your Word with all of us!
This year, my word is JOY. I chose JOY because I have a tendency to take myself a little too seriously. Along with that I often take work a little too seriously. Don’t get me wrong—I understand the aspects of work that do need to be taken seriously. But honestly, most molehills do not need to become mountains! That’s where I am a definitely challenged. So challenged, I even have reminders at my desk!
JOY is there to remind me to stay present. To not get so caught up in the minutiae, that I lose the big picture. To not sacrifice moments with my family because I think busy-work is significant. It also helps me fight the Bright Shiny Object syndrome. For example, when art opportunities come up, I can measure them quickly against the JOY factor. If the mere thought of it makes me feel drained, then I’ll pass on it if I can.
What I like about having a Word of the Year is that when I start drifting and floundering, it pulls me back to center. In all of my daily activities, my Word helps me decide how I should be spending my time.
It is an ANCHOR.
If you have not found your Word of the Year for 2016, it’s not too late. I suggest you take the time to work through this exercise. It’s SO valuable; you won’t regret it!
If you already have a Word of the Year, what is it? Or if you had to choose one right now, what would it be?
