Another year written in the books! As we look to a fresh beginning in 2023, there is a sense of renewed energy, excitement, and hope. The first few days of January are always a time to reflect on the past year, and make plans for the new one ahead. Now is the time to regroup, refocus, and make new goals and plans.
Making a list of goals early in the year makes it easier to crank the gears into motion, starting off the new year on a positive and productive note. What helps is creating a word for 2023, a theme word to help keep you focused on your goals, or overall state of being for the upcoming year.
What’s your word?
A recent trend is giving the new year a theme word which will represent your focus in all aspects of your life. The idea of choosing one year to sum up a theme seems both daunting and exciting at the same time. Is it possible to choose one word that encompass all of the things you hope to be, do, and accomplish in a full year?
In 2014, my word was flourish – a time to see my business grow and expand. In 2015, I couldn’t choose one word so I opted for three theme words for the year. In 2016, my word was nurture; I felt that I had the foundation for my career, and new relationships formed, that it was time to nurture them. In 2017, my word was manifest; working to make my dreams materialize. Last year, I chose three theme words as I couldn’t narrow down to one.
What is your word for 2023?
Do you have a theme word for 2023? Narrowing your goals for the year to just one word can be a challenge. But what would your word be?
My word for 2019 is PIVOT.
pivot
1: a shaft or pin on which something turns
2a: a person, thing, or factor having a major or central role, function, or effect
b: a key player or position
Why did I choose pivot as my word for 2023?
This past year was a rollercoaster of events and emotions. In retrospect, I learned many lessons this year, some of which were painful but necessary. Forced to look at things more intensely and analytically, while making my health and mental well-being top priority. A good chunk of the time was spent engaging in introspection; looking inward, and tuning into my feelings, triggers, strengths, and weaknesses; and putting in the work for self-growth.
This year was about letting go of the ego, listening to my inner voice, trusting in that voice, and finding the answers from within. Remembering and surrendering to who I inherently am in the deepest sense.
PIVOT for me means being grounded like the shaft or pin on which something turns, but being able to turn smoothly and efficiently in whichever direction I need to go. It means I have the foundation I need to grow and allowing myself to be open and flexible to opportunities (and challenges) that come my way. Pivot also means a person (or thing) being a key player in a major role, which is what I’d like to encompass as I move forward in my career.
This year, I continue to wish to have clarity and purpose in all that I say and do, and be clear with my intentions and goals. I wish to spend more time doing what is most important to me, and letting go of things that don’t serve me; allowing myself to let go of the people and things that cause unhappiness and stress. I also wish to continue to be gentle with myself, and while working towards my goals are a priority, being able to honour my mind, body and soul and take time for self-care.
With clarity and confidence, I feel I’m ready turn the page, and enter 2019 with openness, acceptance and light.