What Works: Forget resolutions, set a focus word for this year

I used to be the resolution girl. I would set no more than three resolutions each year. I’d break the first the same month, the second in February, and the third by March. I always felt a little bad about breaking my resolutions. But everyone was breaking theirs. So, there was sort of a permission to it. A few years ago, I started a new tradition. I threw resolutions out the window and instead starting using a focus word.

What’s a focus word?

A focus word is a word, or it could be a phrase, that broadly defines what you would like to work on in the new year. It’s not specific. It’s intentionally broad to leave room for surprise. I have found if I can get out of my own way sometimes, people surprise me.

Instead of just naming my word outright, I have a process to create it.

Step #1: Gratitude for the passing year.

This is where you look back on the year, one last time, and think of what you were thankful for. If you had a focus word that year, also review the year with an eye toward that. How true were you to your word?

Step #2: Breathe and visualize.

What do you want out of the next year? Sometimes its hard to think of just one thing you want. What do those things have in common? Breathe and visualize. Clear your mind and ask yourself for your word. It might appear as a thought or image during this process.

Step #3: Repeat the word out loud.

Words have power. My word for 2018 is DISCOVERY. There are many things I want to be open to discover this year, both for myself and others. I want to continue on my path of self-discovery as well. When you repeat the word out loud, and especially when you tell others, you give that word more weight than if you keep it to yourself. There’s also some measure of accountability in telling others.

Step #4: Schedule check ins.

This process isn’t a platitude or a ritual which doesn’t create results. To make it real, schedule check ins with yourself on your word. I do quarterly check ins. The last word I had was RELEASE. I wanted to release fear and accomplish some major goals. And I did. I got my Master’s degree. I created a theory. I branched out my business to create What Works Recruitment. To do that, I had to release expectations, outcomes, and fear.
Schedule a check in that works for you. This isn’t a resolution. You won’t be promising yourself to check in every Friday and, when you miss a few, giving up. Use the same process for getting your word to get a real, actionable, check in interval.

Step #5: Celebrate all year.

When you notice the impact of your focus word, celebrate. You are taking a step that will change your life. The great thing about setting a focus word is that it’s pretty hard to mess up. It’s just a word. For me, that word popped in when I needed it the most. When I needed to release old ideas or release what I “should do,” that word RELEASE would pop in my head. It allowed me to make some conscious decisions that enriched my life and business.

POST YOUR WORD IN THE COMMENTS BELOW or share this article on Facebook with your word.
I hope you have a happy, prosperous, and truly abundant new year – in all the ways you wish for abundance to come to you.

SAY HELLO AND GET INSPIRED IN PERSON

Entrepreneur’s Assembly, Carson City chapter meets January 10, 2018 in The Studio at Adams Hub for Innovation and every second Wednesday of each month. Free mastermind group voted Entrepreneur’s Assembly Chapter of the Year 2017. 5:30 pm

Motivation Monday returns to Adams Hub for Innovation January 15, 2018. Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule two free 30-minute sessions or one free hour.

3rd Annual Visions and Intentions Workshop – Diane Dye Hansen uses her unique vision board technique, not taught anywhere else, to tap into what your psyche really wants and manifest greatness in 2018. All materials/supplies provided. Cost: $20 pp. Location: The Studio at Adams Hub for Innovation. Space is limited. Pre-purchase your tickets - http://bit.ly/visionsandintentions

What Works Coaching
Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City, Nevada. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. She is also the creator of DOCS Theory, also known as The Theory of CrappertunityTM, a mindset and change theory which defines the moment crisis creates more opportunity than would have existed without the crisis.

Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino and a Masters in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of What Works Recruitment, a company which specializes in filling hard-to-fill positions and fitting talent with culture. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.