How’s your New Year’s resolution going? If you’re like most people, you either thought to yourself, “Wait, what was my new year’s resolution?” or just descended into a shame spiral.
Me, I’m not a big fan of resolutions. Instead, I like to choose a word of the year.
If you think about it, a word of the year makes for a better story than a resolution. A resolution is kind of boring. Whether it’s to lose 50 pounds, run a marathon, or get out of debt, there’s not a lot of mystery to it. You either accomplish it or not. (Mostly not, according to the statistics.) Plus, it usually involves a lot of work.
But a word, now that brings some drama. It’s specific, yet open-ended. It gives you a direction with which to focus your energy, but leaves the door open for surprises. And besides, whose story sounds better, the girl who chose “Freedom” as her word of the year, or the guy who wants to lose 15 pounds of belly fat?
I’ve been thinking about my word of the year for a few weeks now. I knew the feeling I was going for, but I couldn’t think of a word that embodied it. Finally, it hit me: magic. That’s my word of the year. Considering I’ve been saying it a lot of late, it should have been more obvious.
Now, I won’t be learning any card tricks or anything. To me, magic is the free prize, the unexpected little extra that transforms an experience from average to awesome. Magic doesn’t have to cost money, but it does require creativity and mindfulness. Because it doesn’t happen by chance. In 2012, I want to experience magic, and I want to help create magical experiences for others.
Most resolutions only address one level of your life, such as your body, your relationships, your job. But the cool thing about a word of the year is that it covers your whole life. For instance, I’m looking forward to making and experiencing magic in my speaking programs, through our web site, in my travels, and in my daily life with Kim and the kids.
Adultitis-Fighting Tip: If you haven’t already, why not come up with your own word of the year? I have more thoughts about it here, and this great primer even has a list of words to spark your imagination. Spend some time in quiet thinking about your word, and then write it down or print it out and post it somewhere you’ll see it every day.
What’s your Word of the Year for 2012?
[ Magic. Gliiter, construction paper and a Christmas tree, shot with my Canon Digital Rebel XS ]
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My word for the year is Purpose: http://beckymochaface.blogspot.com/2012/01/twenty-twelve.html
My word of the year is deployment. I know that sounds kind of funny but it will occupy over half of 2012. Also, once it is done, I am almost done so it is a happy word of the year!
The Rabbit (aka Cubby)
So adventures… Lately I’ve been saying that I’m starting a new adventure in my life. This tops it off.. The job that I have the interview for tomorrow it says: inspires exciting urban adventures for our guests. I think my word of the year this year is going to be adventure.. My first adventure shall be getting this job and my second.. going to Disneyland to celebrate! :D Come on Febuary 29!!!
May your adventure be magically delicious, Lisa!
My word of the year is breathe. I know, it’s not THAT exciting and energizing – but that’s the point. A LOT is going on in my life right now and I need to remember to have patience – and just breathe – remembering that everything will work out and all things work for good for those who love God.
A GREAT word, Minette. Reminds me of Kim’s word for the year, which is “Be.”