[1]
I was inspired a few years ago by Chris Brogan [2] to come up with three words for the year ahead. This is NOT a list of New Year’s Resolutions. The commitment to lose 5 pounds or the intention to cut out sugar-that’s not what I’m talking about. I’ve mentioned before that I’m not big on resolutions [3]. While they’re generally well -intentioned [4], I usually try them out for a few days or even weeks and then I’m right back where I started.
For all of us, January resolutions roll in just as the holiday season rolls out. After a wonderful two week vacation with my family the last thing I need to do is create any extra burdens. Waking up after sleeping in for many days is challenging enough. That’s my resolution: to wake up every morning on time. This morning didn’t go very well.
In place of a resolution I’m going to stick with something that has proven inspirational rather than daunting. Chris Brogan [5] came up with the brilliant suggestion to forgo the idea of a resolution, and instead, come up with 3 words that will help define your goals and experiences for the coming year.
I took Chris’s advice and chose words [2] that “….mean something to you. Who cares if others don’t get it?”
MY THREE WORDS
Boundaries
Working from home can cause the lines between family time and work time to blend and overlap. Towards the end of 2013 I worked hard to stop working when my kids came home from school and really be present for them. My intention to create clear boundaries for 2014 continues. My oldest turned 13 this year and I’m realizing that he’s only home for a few more years before heading off to college. When my kids come home from school my mom hat is back on.
Write
As much as I love social media and spend a good chunk of my day on Twitter [6], Facebook [7], Pinterest [8], Instagram and Google + [9] it’s really a huge time suck. I’m working towards creating a better system for managing my social media and spending more time writing and working with my clients. I have about 100 plus posts in draft form for my blog and about 50 others for sites I write for. I also have a book draft that needs my attention. Managing my time is imperative if any of this is going to happen.
Together
I’ve seen over the past few years how together we truly can make a difference [10]. The power of our collective voices is unstoppable and together we can make change happen. We’ve seen how it’s possible to sway some of the largest consumer product companies. I have no doubt that in 2014 we will see much more of the same. I’ll be focusing on how we can do this together. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. ~Helen Keller [11]
AND NOW IT’S YOUR TURN: What are your three words?
I would love to know what you want to focus on in 2014. Feel free to leave a comment here with your three words or write your very own post.
Happy New Year!
My three words in 2012: honesty, present, learn [12]
photo credit: thomasstache [13] via photopin [14]