What's The Word?

So…then there was 2020. The year that made us pause, stop, cringe, reflect, realize new appreciations, discover new hobbies, understand who true heroes are…and a myriad of other things. I think it is a pretty safe statement to say that the typical habit of setting new goals or resolutions for the upcoming year is pretty much out the window. We need something to allow us to accept how we handled the last few months and be willing to take that learning into the new year and grow.

It is so important to remember this has been an unprecedented time – no one has experienced the sheer number of things that happened this year, let alone the magnitude. It is so important to remember to look at them with a mindful eye – that being through a clear non-judgmental lens. Do any of us do everything flawlessly? I’m thinking probably not (at least I know I didn’t), but here we are! At the start of a new year…and hopefully a better one.

One thing I learned during this time is a new way to stay motivated in 2021…a way to be ok with trying new things based on what I have learned. Resolutions (that I new wouldn’t last until March 😊) weren’t going to cut it this time. Instead, I am focusing on one word that I will base my next steps around. One word that will set the tone for the year. This isn’t something new. Thousands of folks have done this over the years. Somehow, this feels like it is exceptionally right for this year. Want to know what mine is? You’ll have to wait for that!

Onward In The Journey

Allow the word you choose to guide you throughout the year. Use it as a foundation for your decisions. The power of intention is strong, and it is real. That’s what this word is all about. It sets a light on next steps or decisions to help you stay on course.

Intention is that nagging little idea in the back of your head, a goal you want to reach, but the travel companion to that is self-doubt or fear. Or super pumped at the start and as we start to head into the end of March/early April (if we are lucky), the foot comes off the gas and we are back to the same old way of life. But…you still feel that “Gee, maybe I should give it another try” itch rumbling in the back of your mind. It’s still chatting with you…wanting to continue to grow. To see what if…

Intention grows with clarity. That is the very thing that sparks the drive you need to make one step and then another. Most importantly, in the direction you truly want to go. It is about immersing yourself in experiences that are perhaps in a different idea “neighborhood” than usual. Identifying the Word for the year is a way, dare I call is a practice, to help you through the roadblocks, see opportunities and watch it come to fruition.

This is not as simple as picking a word out of the air-that is no different than the annual resolutions we never keep. Here are some steps to help you lock in that perfect word and make it real.

Release the Resolution

Picture it…December 27^th (fill in whatever year you like), sitting on the sofa writing down the goals for the new year. I will lose weight, I will read 20 books, I will walk 10 miles every week… January 1, things are off to a great start. By mid-month, it’s become a thing to move to the next day. End of February, it’s in the rearview mirror. Why is that you ask? It’s because it only focuses on the “Do” part of your life. The partners to that are “Have” and “Be”.

Why not shake up this perspective and start with “Be”? This truly puts you first by identifying who you want to be (what is your personal intention for growth). By committing to what you want to Be, there is more drive to remain committed. After all, who is more important than YOU! Also, selecting a focus Word for the year ties into intention. Intention invokes imagery around your end result. Your mind responds quickest and best to visual imagery. That is the very boost you need to make that change!

The key thing to remember in this path is to select only one word…multiples aren’t allowed. This keeps your focus centered on one result and not roaming the world. When deciding what that magic word will be, push yourself just a little. Make sure you are the one in the spotlight. What comes to mind when you think of possible word options? Don’t worry if it doesn’t feel quite right this time around – remember that practice makes perfect.

Be patient with progress. Rome, or anything else, wasn’t built in a day. And it doesn’t have magical powers! Sorry to burst that bubble…you need to meet it halfway and do some work. This is a chance to do some deep down-to-your-soul learning about yourself. Pay attention to your internal responses when applying your word to an action (What do you feel? Where do you feel it?). Be open to those “Aha” moments. Those are the best teachers of all. Jot down these moments and review them throughout the year.

Some folks know exactly what their perfect Word is for the year. Others need to ponder. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with options…or nothing resonates at all. One way to see what calls is to simply sit and be quiet. QUIET! Let your mind be relaxed and open. See what pops in for a visit. Well, if that doesn’t work, check out the next page for some ideas. Don’t limit yourself to these…after all, the others may feel left out 😊. Perhaps one of these may just be the magic one.

Kindness	Routine	Commitment	Spirituality
Trust	Generosity	No	Self-love
Love	Laugh	Honor	Savor
Confidence	Health	Growth	Ritual
Accept	Freedom	Creativity	Discipline
Forgiveness	Discipline	Happy	Openness
Aware	Friendship	Patience	Awe
Compassion	Gratitude	Release	Explore
Dare	Explore	Awareness	Focus
Organization	Clarity	Peace	Smile
Deliberate	Listen	Act	Heal
Courage	Change	Attention	Allow
Joy	Yes	Knowing	Risk

Again, maybe none of these feels quite right…but close. That’s good! Take a moment and write down the one that’s close. Doodle around it. Free write about it. Close your eyes and write what pops in your head. You’ll find that right one. Wait for it…PATIENCE 😊

Ok, I Found THE Word…now what?

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Write it down and keep it where you can see it. As we talked about earlier, your mind responds to visual reminders first. The more you see your word, the more you will incorporate it into your day/month/year/life.
Share it. Let your friends and family in on your transformational plan. Talk with them about why you have this wonderful focus. Maybe they are interested as well! Besides, when you speak your intention, it increases your connection to that word and your purpose.
At the end of each day, take a few moments to see how that word was involved in your actions for the day. Jot down how it impacted you. Where did you feel your internal response?
So you miss a day incorporating your word into your actions. That’s ok – we are all human. I guarantee we all do it. Start again as soon as you become aware. The more you do that, the more it will be part of you.
Reflection is a great learning tool. Let yourself grow, learn, and change. You are worth every step!

So, What’s The Word?

At the beginning of this, I did promise to let you know what my Word is this year. Well, here it is…

Trust

As many of you know, Inner Ki LLC is an integral part of who I am. My goal is always to bring the best classes and insight I can to you. Like many of you, I am my own worst critic! I’m never quite satisfied with a class or email or blog or… Anyone else feel that same way? There are so many classes, online workshops, self-study materials waiting in the wings. I just need to apply TRUST and get them out there!

So…TRUST it is! Be ready for lots of great things coming your way in 2021! I hope you enjoy them as much I genuinely enjoy creating them!