Word of the year

One word. That’s it. Just one word to guide you in 2021.

Hibernate is not an option!

If you’re looking for an alternative to a new year’s resolution, feeling that you set yourself unrealistic goals in the haze of fairy lights and baileys after Christmas, then spend months beating yourself up for not achieving them, then this could be an idea to think about.

The concept is simple, you choose one word which will be your lighthouse word, guiding the decisions you make and where you focus your energy in 2021. Sounds easy? I thought that, but then spent hours reflecting on what would work best for me this year.. what should I pick vs what do I really want to pick. What if I “said no” to another word....

If you fancy having a play with your lighthouse word, here’s a few steps I found useful....

1) Ask yourself WHY

How would having one word help you this year? If it adds stress or complexity, don’t do it, or maybe pick one per month.

2) Take a moment to REFLECT

What’s the one thing you would like to achieve by the end of the year?

What would you like more of in your life?

What would you like less of?

What will bring you more energy?

How will you like to feel?

3) Create a LIST

Try and do this without thinking... have a pad of paper and pen on your bedside table, or by the shower.. often the best ideas come to us when we are in a relaxed state and letting our unconscious mind do the work. If you’re stuck, I’ve attached a list of possible words for you to get you started..

4) Choose your WORD

Start by quickly scanning the list and circling the ones that resonate with you the most, maybe creating an emotional reaction inside you. Then narrow it down til you have the one that stands out the most for you right now (if you can’t get to one, try one per month, or maybe a couple for the year). Then ask yourself are you interested in the word, or committed? If you’re just “interested”, the chances are you will find excuses for not doing it. If “committed”, you will do whatever it takes to create more of that in your world.

5) Turn the LIGHT on

We all know the power of visualisation, that as we visualise achieving something, our brain starts to lay new neural pathways which may it feel more achievable. Find a moment to relax, close your eyes, and step into that word, that future. What does it feel like? Sit with that moment, savour the feeling. What have you achieved? What are you proud of? What can you now do that you couldn’t before? If it works for you, capture it somewhere in your journal, or use the moment to create a vision board.

Whenever you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, or at a cross roads, just pause and look for your lighthouse... go back to your one word, remember the feeling, and take a moment to breathe and refocus.

A bit about Bounce…

At Bounce Coaching & Development Ltd, we use the clever bits from brain science and mix them with oodles of positive thinking and a sprinkle of fun to create learning solutions that stick.

Contact us to find out more about running virtual laughter blaster sessions for your team.

“You’re not here to be average... you’re here to be AWESOME!”