How do you set yourself up for success in the new year? How do you create a lens through which you evaluate all of your professional (and personal) decisions?
“My 3 Words” is my favorite – and the most helpful – year-end exercise I do. I love Chris Brogan’s process and strongly encourage my colleagues and clients to do it as well. I saw several folks posting about what words they were considering for 2025, what they chose for 2024, and how those words worked for them. (#My3Words)
Can three words shape what you do? Absolutely. Like most things, the simpler something is, the more likely it is to work.
Here’s how Brogan describes the process in his “My 3 Words for 2024” post:
Select three meaningful words with which to guide any decisions you may need to make in the coming year. The words should point to who you intend to be, what you want to focus on, and how you want to perceive the work of the year ahead. It sounds like a lot, but my first year, the words were “Ask. Do. Share,” and those were very powerful for me. It was one of my best years ever.
The words work well if they help you decide and guide yourself towards your intentions. Not your goals, exactly, but intentions. So, if your goal is to lose 30 pounds, maybe your intention is to eat better foods. Maybe you’ll use a word like “temple” to point out that your body is a temple. Or that you’re building towards something important.
The very very very key word is “Decision.” You’re looking for words that answer questions for you. “Oh, what should I do? I just got a job offer from a crazy new opportunity, but I feel so safe here at work.” If your word is “Adventure,” then maybe this is your year.
My 3 Words for 2024 were: Ease. Joy. Abundance.
Ease: I tried to simplify my life and not overcommit. When I started feeling stressed about something, I took a breath or a walk and calmed down. When I did that, different options started to reveal themselves.
Joy: It was a tough year, but I know that joy is always available to us if we choose to look for it. When I was irritated or struggling, I made myself look for what might be able to give me joy at the same time. The sunbeam on the table. The taste of my coffee. A funny meme a friend sent me.
Abundance: I created space and time to do things outside of my business. I seriously committed to making art and spent time creating, which was fabulous. I went to see a lot of music and made some new friends doing that, which was also great. I stocked my fridge with delicious and healthy food. I added some beautiful pictures and objects to my living space.
My 3 Words for 2025 are: Create. Connect. Flow.
Create: I want to create all kinds of things personally and professionally. I want to continue painting, dancing, and making music.
Connect: I want to connect with myself and others throughout the year. I want to meditate and do yoga to connect with myself. I want to connect with my friends and professional colleagues.
Flow: I want to experience flow whenever possible because it is the best feeling there is. When you are in a flow state time stops and you are fully present.
Think of your words as a lens through which you evaluate everything. Will this friendship, relationship, or opportunity keep you aligned with one or more of your words? If so, you should go for it. If not, maybe you want to give it some more thought or pass.
Here is Brogan taking you on a deeper dive into his process.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
