(Originally Published January 2022, updated in 2023 and 2024)
Do you want to choose a word of the year in 2024? But have no idea what to use? Read on for some tips on what I do BUT also scroll to the bottom for a FREE download to help you.
It was back in 2016 that my then business coach pushed (ahem encouraged) me to do a vision board AND choose a word of the year. I thought it was a bit odd but like any good student I diligently selected a word to focus on that year. Now despite being dubious I have over time fallen in love with this practice. Read on for tips on how I choose a word, which ones I have used in the past and how I felt about my 2022 word.
So how is it I select a word to use?
I can’t speak for anyone else but I reflect on the previous year, what went well and which areas do I feel I need to improve. I then write out my yearly goals and aspirations, from here a common theme will often emerge. Whereas your written goals prompt you on what tasks to complete and when, your word will help you remain intentional, it is your guiding light on what is possible. At times we lose focus on what is important, our word can help us determine if a particular goal serves our greater purpose. Some questions to ask yourself.
- How is it I want to feel this year?
- Who do I need to become to achieve the goals I have written down?
- What word will empower me and help me keep focussed?
What words have I used in the past?
For me it’s how I want to be and feel that year. Do I need to be more tenacious? More brave? I put the words on my vision board and look at it every day. See below for this years and previous.
2024 – Connected
2023 – Disciplined
2022 – Balance
2021 – Release
2020 – Intuition and Revenue
2019 – Naughty (strange word I know, my coach challenged me to not be so “nice” all the time)
2018 – Nurture, Tenacity
2017 – Inspire
Why I choose connection for 2024
When reflecting on 2023 something became very clear, and that is a lack of IRL (in real life) connection. I was getting too comfortable being online and working virtually, the result was I wasn’t attending networking events, seminars, workshops. I wasn’t meeting people in person. No hugs. No in person community. One of my intentions this year is to rebuild my connections by attending at least 1 event per month.
My thoughts on my 2023 word
Just like in 2022 I didn’t force my word, I was sitting quietly journaling and working on my yearly goals when all of a sudden boom my word appeared. I was writing down that now my hormones are balanced it is time to work on strength and my health, I was listing daily habits to ensure I meet my targets. I was also thinking about my mindset and how it slipped in 2022, and the projects I want to launch in 2023. I knew in order to meet my health AND business goals I need to be more disciplined with my habits and actions. So yet again my word has dual meaning.
My thoughts on my 2022 word
My 2022 word of the year didn’t come to me straight away, hence allowing myself space for the word to appear. After some reflection I realised that “Balance” was the perfect word and for me it has dual meaning. I need more hormonal balance as I navigate my way through peri menopause BUT also more balance between personal and work as I strive to spend more time with my recently widowed mum whilst scaling my own business massively in 2022.
- As mentioned above this word had two meanings for me. I have struggled with my health as a result of peri menopause and I knew this needed to balance before I could move forward. I was not put on HRT until quarter 4 so January – August, not so much balance but September onwards the difference was immense! I also wanted more balance between work and personal life, especially supporting my newly widowed Mum. I would say that balance didn’t happen, if anything too much time was spent on home renovations + vacations and not enough time working, whoops!
Why even bother with a word?
Often as the year progresses we forget our purpose, our vision as we get caught up in every day life. Having a word that you see each day can guide you throughout the year and often I find subconsciously it is guiding me, bringing me people or resources to help me progress.
Since 2021 I have had a phrase which is “Does it bring me joy?” , before saying YES to anything I decide whether this would bring me joy first! At first it is hard to say no to people or projects but over time you feel energised being more decisive with your time. So if you are struggling to choose a word of the year, what mantra will give you strength? Help you focus?
If you are skeptical give it a try, you might just be surprised but how it guides you. Stuck on what word to chose? Here are 100 word of the year options for you to consider , instantly downloadable. I suggest you print this and circle or highlight the words that call out to you.
