Word of the Year: an intention setting practice
It has become a fairly common practice for those wanting to improve some part of their life to set a "New Year's Resolution." Maybe you've done this in the past. Maybe it "worked" and you were inspired for a big change or maybe by mid-February you lost focus, got sidetracked and frustrated. Giving up on a resolution happens because of the mindset. If you have an "all or nothing" approach then after one slip-up, you're going to throw up your hands and say "I quit". A resolution implies something is wrong, that it needs to be fixed. It implies there's an error and thus necessary steps to correct the error should be made. This type of thinking feels a bit small; it's not expansive. It also feels like there is only one way to get things right, rather than possibilities to explore and curiosities to entertain. And when we get curious, especially when we backslide, we can view it as an opportunity for growth.
So, if you want to change something, if you want to set an intention to live a better life in some way, let's work on that together. We'll do it in a mindful, non-judgemental way...of course!
For this intention setting, I love to work with the
Word of the Year (WOTY) practice.
The WOTY is a guiding light, a torch, a beacon to keep you on the path. It's an intention to return to often. It is connected to your purpose, where you want to go. This word should reflect your ethos, values and the vibe you are looking to attract. It's about how you want to feel...more focused on the journey than the outcome. The first step to manifesting any change is awareness and so it's from this place to start the WOTY practice.
Step 1: Journal to tap into curiosity and get your brain and heart on the same page. Here are some journal prompts to help you:
What am I curious about, what is interesting to me?
What would living an expansive life look like?
How do I want to feel in my body each day?
How do I define success?
Step 2: Find the themes
Read over what you wrote and notice any themes that emerge, distilling tese themes down to a few words. Make a list of 8-10 words based on these themes.Try to approach this in a heart-centered way rather than with the ego or logical brain taking over. Circle the 3 words that mean the most to you, that feel the most aligned.
Step 3: Review and refine further
Write each of these words a few times. Then read them again and again. Finally, say these 3 words out loud a few times. The act of writing, reading and speaking the words gives you an opportunity to notice how they resonate with you. See if you can identify where you feel each word in your body. Does it feel uplifting, does your body respond to it in a positive way? Which one makes you say, "Hell yes!" That's your WOTY!
Step 4: Embody the WOTY
Awesome, you've got it! Write your WOTY in your journal, write it on a post-it note (or several) to leave around your home, bag, car, etc. Take a picture of that post-it note and make it the background on your phone and laptop. If you feel comfortable, share your WOTY with a trusted friend (someone who is doing the same practice) or your coach (psstt, that could be me!) Fully embody this word by feeling it heart, body and mind.
Know that mistakes and redirects will happen throughout the year and that's part of the learning process. Heck, you might even forget about your WOTY for days or even weeks...and that's okay. It's there for you to return to again and again...with loving non-attachment. Allow the WOTY to guide your thoughts, words and actions. If you find your falter or waiver, then come back. Return to your journal prompts and give yourself the space and grace to start again.
Want more help on this process? I gotchu...send me a message and we'll connect to schedule a Wellness Consultation. I can’t wait to see how 2025 unfolds for you!