Word of the Year
Hello friends! As the beginning of a decade arrives, we are humbled by the power that time has on our process of change. Some of the changes are by happenstance, others are very intentional. Today, we want to invite you to join us in a year-long quest, a quest for an improved life. How do we do that? you may ask…well we start with a word…yes, a word!
Many of us have heard of New Year’s resolutions, but only 8% of people stick to their New Year’s resolutions. How about if we tell you that there is a way to create a constant space for improvement and change throughout the year? We achieve that by choosing a word for the year. Choosing a word that inspires every thought, decision, action, interaction and connection you have during this period of time. A word that is your crest, your flag, your mantra. Words such as spacious, grateful, simplified, ameliorate (fancy way of saying “change for the better”), grow, flexibility, educate, learn, create, compassion, trust, mindfulness, peace, balance are just a few of the ones that promote a state of self-reflection.
Choosing a word for the year is like choosing a country to visit. When you visit a country, you don’t stay at the airport, right? After you choose a country, you choose specific towns, cities and sites to visit. Therefore, after choosing a word for the year, we invite you to set the goals that make the word of the year come to life.
Setting goals can seem onerous, but when you think of your word, you think of what specific actions support the word of the year…and that makes it easier. Please write down your goals and keep them visible, either in your daily agenda, a vision board or on the fridge door. When we write down our goals we are 42% more likely to complete and achieve the goal than if we just think about it. Every morning look at the goal list and the word of the year and decide what actions are to be taken on that day in order to honor the word of the year and achieve a step closer to completing the goals list. Focus on one goal at a time. Act with intention.
Once you have chosen your word and written down your goals, share with others your word of the year, so that you can get support and if needed, can be kept accountable in your journey. Discuss with friends and loved ones what your goals for the year are, as part of bringing your word to life, so that they share in your projects and can be on the lookout for opportunities that could help you complete a goal. It is an exciting thing to see others as invested in our goals as we are in them. Share the joy and inspire others to share theirs.
As a final thought, I do not remember where I heard this or who the original author is, but the phrase “words create worlds” has been something that I use frequently in therapy and in life. The words we chose to speak to others, to speak to ourselves are powerful and life changing, let us choose wisely! How about we start this new decade with a word that can create a better or a new world for us! Let us know what your word is for 2020!
Yiara Blanco, Psy.D
If you are interested in working with intentionality as you choose your word of the year and set goals for your life, feel free to contact us at 813-434-3639 to schedule an appointment with Yiara Blanco. At Harper Therapy we want to be your home for Hope, Growth and Healing!
