I’ve always found goal-setting and New Year’s resolutions a bit… off-putting, intimidating, challenging, stupid. Have you? I mean, really, who wants to set themselves up for failure? (Most people fail to stick with their New Year’s resolutions by the way.)
But in 2012 I was inspired by Chris Brogan to choose three words that would serve as guides (or goals) for the new year. This seemed an easier, safer route to go. Maybe you’ll think so too!
A Quick Look Back
Each year, I select three words that I want to take action on, personally and professionally. Some words I do better with than others. But to give you an idea of what I’ve committed to over the years, here they are:
Fresh. Discoverable. Discourse. 2015
Sensation. Promotion. Veracious. 2014
Connection. Reflection. Direction. 2013
Persistence. Performance. Deliver. 2012
My 3 Words for 2016
Confidence. Challenge. Cheer.
Confidence: To try new things and succeed or fail, either way, it’s OK.
Challenge: To push myself out of my comfort zone.
Cheer: To give and receive more happiness.
These three words serve as my “theme” for all the content and the messages I will share with my “tribe”, community, readers…you, throughout 2016!
Sometimes it helps cement the words by creating a graphic, like I did above. I used Canva- a super easy design tool (free).
My Next Step
I recently started contributing articles on Visme (an online tool to create infographics and visual content). And I just happened to write about vision boards. You can see my article here.
I think it’s always good to practice what you preach, so I’ll be working on my vision board and I’ll share it here soon.
Now It’s Your Turn
Will you rise to the challenge of selecting three words for the new year? Please add them in a comment below!
Even just thinking about selecting the words and sharing them serves as a bit of accountability and makes them that much more real! Go ahead, share!
PS: A shout out to Jacqui Barrett Poindexter for the nod and nudge and for sharing her three words for 2016.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.