Through listening to The Lively Show and seeing posts pop up on Instagram, I’ve heard (and seen!) a lot of people talking about choosing one word to define their year. At first I thought it was strange. Then I decided I thought it was strange because it’s truly difficult to choose one word to anchor a year. And then I decided it was something I really wanted to do. Plus, two words came to mind almost instantly. So, I’m going with it.
I want to anchor 2015 to purposeful and content. Yes, I have two words. Go big or go home? The truth is I couldn’t decide, and they both have separate meanings to me.
I could feel the difference between 2013 and 2014 last year. But I couldn’t pinpoint the actual reason why I felt the year was different. My conclusion: 2013 was more purposeful. Don’t get me wrong, last year was filled with tremendous professional growth and the opportunity to see a number of new places. But I felt like I wasn’t choosing my own direction. I felt as though I was delaying making independent decisions in an effort to see how other people’s choices would impact my own. The result: that’s not a very good idea.
This year, I’m reverting back to how I acted in 2013. I had major goals that year that were not entirely centered on professional growth. That’s exactly why I loved that year. I flew by myself again, I ran a half marathon, I attended an awesome conference, and more. I made those choices because I didn’t want to be so focused on my career and where I was or was not headed. I want to remember my motto that I “work to live” not the other way around.
So, purposeful and content:
Purposeful – having or showing determination or resolve; having a useful purpose; intentional
Content – in a state of peaceful happiness
I love that intentional is part of the definition of purposeful. I definitely want to be intentional with my choices and my time. Much more so than I have been in recent history (I’m looking at you, social media). And content – that has possibly the best definition ever. Being content with my life and it’s direction is very difficult for me. I want to know if things are going to work because I’m working hard to make them happen. And I get frustrated when I don’t feel or see the growth that I think should be occurring as a result. I’ve already been reminding myself of both words for just over a week, and so far so good.
I’ll share more on how they relate to my goals for the year once I finalize what those look like. I will share one though that I know will stay in place for sure: stay off of social media in the evenings unless there is a defined purpose in visiting Facebook or Instagram (i.e.: I’m posting something relevant to an event, asking a pertinent question, or responding to someone.)
Are any of you taking part in the One Word Challenge? I would love to hear what word(s) ;) are defining your year and why. Let me know in the comments!
Stay tied to Carly is Inspired…
My word is kindness!
I have seen a lot of people doing that as well and haven’t really come around to it myself. I think my biggest goal for “self improvement” is to try to live in the moment. I worry so much about everything from 5 minutes from now to 20 years from now – none of which I can change. And sometimes I am not enjoying a wonderful moment because I’m worried about the next moment. So that’s something I’m really working on – I guess that means my word is “present” (which has a double meaning I don’t mind either ;-))
happy friday carly!