Are you ready to declare your word of the year for 2022?
I know, I know: it’s almost February, and you likely feel like you are too late!
Sadly, that means many of us have drifted away from our goals by now. It seems that by the time we get used to writing “2022” in our journals and text messages, our determination to stick with anything new has just about worn off.
The good news? It’s never too late to get back on track and work on changing any area of your life! Today I’m sharing how one simple, carefully chosen word can transform your trajectory this year.
Keep reading to see how and to learn a few simple steps to choosing a guiding word for 2022!
3 Ways a Word Can Change Your Year
Words are powerful.
Think about famous speeches that have changed history! Words can energize or deflate us, strengthen or destroy our relationships, and educate or misinform us. They can also shape our direction, which is why I recommend choosing one word for the year to:
- Give You Clarity and Focus
Your word for the year will capture all the life-changing ideas and desires floating around in your mind and concentrate them into a single potent term.
For example, my word for the year is “Alignment.” Everything I do this year is about harmonizing my hopes, dreams, and intentions in every area of life: my family, fitness, finances, you name it. That word prompts me to be more organized and deliberate with my actions to make my goals happen.
- Provide a Guide for Making Decisions
Ever been to a costume party? It’s a lot easier to figure out how to dress when there’s a theme. Sure, you might have to Google where to find stuff, but you don’t have to wonder what to wear to a roaring ’20s or Victorian-era style party. The basic idea is implied and significantly narrows your decision pool.
Your word for the year is just that: a theme that aligns with your values to help you filter your choices and determine your boundaries.
- Make Goal-Setting More Manageable
As a career and leadership coach, I strongly believe in setting specific and strategic goals. And that might feel a bit intimidating to some people. The one-word approach can help you work toward becoming more disciplined by giving you room to experiment and grow without restricting yourself to perfection.
6 Steps to Choose Your Word of the Year
Here’s how to choose your word for the year with six steps:
1 – Reflect on Your Past
Rewind to 2021 and think about:
- What went well?
- What didn’t go well?
- Are there any skills and lessons you learned?
- Where did you settle for less than you intended?
- Are you satisfied with how the year went? Why or why not?
Think carefully and write everything down.
2 – Visualize Your Future
Now do a similar exercise, projecting into 2022:
- Are there areas you want more?
- What do you want less of?
- What would make it the best year ever?
- How do you want to feel?
- How do you want to be known?
3 – Look for Patterns
Patterns can indicate the most meaningful transformation area in your life right now. For example, you might have noticed while reflecting that you’ve been settling for less than your worth at work or that you want to be known as someone who finishes everything you start.
4 – Make Your List
Using your inspiration from step three, brain dump as many words as you can think of that has a meaning to you, big or small. Some word of the year ideas can include:
- More
- Focus
- Impact
- Forgive
- Prepare
Here’s a list of 150 more words of the year ideas for 2022!
Don’t overthink this part. Set a ten-minute timer and stop once it goes off.
5 – Narrow it Down to Your Top Three
Now, grab a highlighter, go through your list, and highlight the top three that stand out the most.
6 – Pick Your Word
If you’re still having trouble deciding, google the definitions of those three words, and choose the one with the most impactful meaning.
And there you have it!
Keep your word of the year for 2022 constantly before you by creating a desktop wallpaper with Canva or putting sticky notes all over your house. I have mine on a bracelet that I wear daily. More importantly, regularly check in with yourself about how you’re living into your values.
Want to Get Clear on Your Career?
Today’s reflections may have fanned an inner flame to work on your dream career. If so, and you’re not sure where to start, that just happens to be my area of expertise!
Let’s hop on a call to help you get some clarity (another fantastic focus word for 2022)!