A Guide to Choosing Your Word and Feeling for the Year 

As the new year unfolds, many of us embark on the journey of setting goals, creating resolutions, and envisioning a brighter future. I’ve found that while traditional goal-setting methods are effective, there’s one practice that has consistently guided me throughout the year: choosing a Word for the Year and a Feeling for the Year. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the significance of having a guiding word and feeling and the profound impact it can have on achieving goals.

The Power of Words

Setting goals is a common ritual at the start of a new year. We meticulously craft SMART goals, diligently jotting them down in our journals with the best intentions. However, as the year progresses, the details of those goals might fade, and we may find ourselves veering off course. That’s where the magic of having a Word for the Year comes in.

1. Simplicity and Focus

Having a single word to encapsulate your aspirations simplifies the goal-setting process. It serves as a beacon of focus, eliminating the need to remember complex resolutions. This simplicity allows you to stay connected to your overarching theme, making it easier to align your actions with your aspirations.

2. Memory and Consistency

Unlike detailed goals, a chosen word is easier to remember. It becomes a mantra, a constant reminder of the direction you want to move in. This simplicity fosters consistency, helping you stay on track even when faced with the challenges that often arise during the pursuit of long-term objectives.

Choosing Your Word

1. Reflect on Your Goals

Take a moment to reflect on your goals for the year. What themes or emotions do they evoke? Identify the core essence of what you want to achieve and let that guide your choice of a Word for the Year.  I have even used a values exercise to call out my values and possibly use on as my word. 

2. Positive Feelings Matter

Consider how you want to feel throughout the year. The power of positive emotions cannot be understated. Choosing a word that resonates with positive feelings can significantly impact your mindset and, consequently, your success in achieving your goals. My Word for the Year is “Beauty” because for me it symbolizes that I can find positivity in any circumstance. My goal is to see beauty in everything, even negative situations.

Cultivating the Right Feelings

1. Mindset Matters

Your chosen word isn’t just a label; it’s a mindset. Embrace it fully, allowing it to influence your thoughts and decisions. Whether it’s “growth,” “joy,” or “resilience,” let your word shape your perspective and guide your actions.  My feeling for this year is “stable”.  I had a shoulder and knee replacement last year and I physically want to be stable.  I also want stable emotions, finances, and family life.

2. Daily Affirmations

Incorporate your Word for the Year into daily affirmations. Remind yourself of the feelings and goals associated with the word regularly. Feel your emotions using your Feeling of the Year. This practice reinforces your commitment and helps embed your chosen word into your daily life.

Finally, In the hustle and bustle of life, having a Word for the Year and a Feeling for the Year can be a transformative practice. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that aligns your aspirations with your actions and cultivates the right feelings for success. As you embark on this journey of intentional living, consider choosing a word and feeling that resonates with your goals and empowers you to embrace the positive feelings that will propel you forward throughout the year.

Please share your Word and/or Feeling for this 2024 year.  Let us know what you hope to accomplish!