Do you choose a word(s), theme, or focus for the year?

I remember the first year I did. I dedicated a whole year to “being messy.” I chose that focus to support me in letting go of perfectionism and embracing that good was enough. It was an uncomfortable year for me, but I learned that I had pushed to rework a project numerous times only to discover it was unnecessary. I experienced that awakening numerous times throughout the year, leaving me with a new perspective on what was really needed and what wasn’t. This unearthed numerous stories I had told myself over the years that kept me locked in the perfectionism loop. Of which I am now free. 🤗

Is there something you would like to focus on conquering or shedding this year? It's such a powerful question to ask yourself. It is not a goal but a focus that informs your decisions throughout the year.

Questions to Ponder:

1. What habits or thought patterns are no longer serving you? How might you shift your focus to address them?

2. If you embraced one concept (e.g., courage, simplicity, or adaptability), how could it reshape your approach to challenges?

3. Can you identify a recurring obstacle in your personal or professional life? What kind of mindset shift would help you overcome it?

4. How might focusing on a theme instead of a specific goal create more freedom and intentionality in your decisions?

Examples of the Positive Impact

Releasing Perfectionism: By embracing the idea of “being messy,” you might find that you save significant time and energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. For instance, a colleague who stopped over-editing their reports discovered they could channel their efforts into more strategic initiatives, leading to a promotion.

Building Courage: Choosing courage as a theme can lead to life-changing opportunities. One individual who focused on courage applied for roles outside their comfort zone and ended up with a career they had always dreamed of.

Simplifying Life: Focusing on simplicity can reduce stress and improve mental clarity. For example, someone committed to decluttering their schedule found they could spend more quality time with family and feel more present at work.

Fostering Adaptability: Concentrating on adaptability can help you navigate unexpected changes with resilience. An entrepreneur who adopted this focus pivoted their business model during a downturn and emerged stronger than ever.

Reflect and Act:
Take a moment to reflect on the stories you tell yourself about your limitations and achievements. What might be possible if you chose a focus that challenged or inspired you? Write it down, embrace it, and let it guide your year.