First of all, let me introduce myself again as I took a break following the loss of my mum. It’s Lynsey from Nibbled Apple here.
If things look a little different it’s because I’m using a new email provider called Substack. It’s a great platform that helps writers earn money from their work.
Don’t worry – I’ll still provide plenty of free resources (like the ‘How to set your word for the year’ printable included in this email), but this set-up also gives me the option to offer some paid subscription services to those who want to hear more of my words and use my printable guides for deeper self-exploration.
Now, on to today’s self-exploration topic:
Choosing your word for 2024.
Have you ever picked a word for the year? It’s a simple way to set a theme for the way you want to think, feel and act for the next 365 days. When you align the word with a goal or intention it serves as a tether to stop you from sailing off in another direction.
If (like me) you can be easily overwhelmed, then choosing a word acts like a little beacon of light when you get lost. If you find it hard to make a decision, think of your word. What is it telling you to do? If you’re in a slump, think of your word. What guidance does it give you? Remind yourself why you picked that word and how it links to your goal for the year.
If you’re still not sure how choosing a word can help you, here’s how I choose and use my word for the year.
How I chose my word for 2024
For 2024, I have chosen the word “Prioritise”. I selected it because, as I mentioned earlier, I get overwhelmed easily. I have big dreams but due to health issues and young kids, I find I have limited time and energy reserves. There never seems to be enough of each to propel me to what I want from life.
So, I need to Prioritise.
For the next twelve months, every time I feel I’m being side-tracked from my dream then I will say to myself, “Prioritise, Lynsey. What is the most important thing you can do today to keep you heading towards your goal?”.
When I feel things are getting too much, I’ll have a quick check of my to-do list, and I’ll Prioritise. Anything that isn’t serving my goal will get downgraded. My dream is my priority.
I will also Prioritise myself and my health (something I often neglect to do).
Next, I’ll look at every aspect of my life to see where I can integrate this word. For example:
Family & Friends: I will Prioritise the ones I love the most and make sure I see them first before I socialise with others. Last year I struggled to see everyone I wanted. But, on reflection, I gave away a lot of time to people who aren’t as important to me.
Finances: This year, I’m going to Prioritise the things that make me money. (It’s not always my goal but for 2024 it is.)
Lifestyle: I will Prioritise whatever brings me joy. For example, hill climbing. I didn’t climb one Munro in 2023 because “I never had time.” Well, now I will because I’m Prioritising it.
Do you see where I’m going? You can do this exercise for many more categories in your life. I’ve listed several in my free “How to set your word for the year” printable worksheet. It also includes some suggested words to give you inspiration.
How to choose your word for the year
You can choose any word you want. Start by reviewing 2023: what went well and what didn’t? What would you like to change for this year? How can your word represent that? Maybe you were frazzled last year and always on the go. Now, you want to slow down, so your word could be: Calm.
If you’ve been invited to several social events and you’re not sure whether to go because it’ll leave you drained then remind yourself of your word: Calm. Perhaps you should refuse some of the invitations?
Or, maybe a family member always winds you up. You’ll soon be attending a gathering with them and it’s making you feel tense. Remind yourself of your word: Calm. Tell yourself you will not absorb their negative energy. Set your boundaries before you meet with them. Let your word guide your reactions if they say anything provocative to you.
If you’d like guidance on how to choose a word for 2024 then download my free word-of-the-year exercise. It’s really simple but packs a powerful punch!
Let me know what word you choose :)
Lynsey
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