My 3 Words for 2018

I always look forward to the holidays to celebrate Christmas and spend time with family and friends. As an educator, it's very rewarding personally to have time off between Christmas and New Year's because it gives me time to reflect on the previous year and make plans for the new year. Putting together a list of the top 10 posts from the year and connecting with my PLN in Voxer groups and on twitter all help me look forward as I continue to grow as a person and educator. 

This will be my fifth year to follow Chris Brogan's lead and choose 3 words to guide my year. No more resolutions or lists of things to stop doing. These are the words that will guide my actions throughout the year. This year, in addition to creating a visual for my office, I'm going to do something new with them. I'm going to create a recurring monthly event in my calendar so that I can do a "check in" with myself throughout the year. 

"Make the words such that they influence your choice of actions, encourage you to decide in favor of your goals, and guide you towards lasting results that you want to experience throughout the year."

-Chris Brogan

My Past 3 Word Choices

2014 - Discipline. Intentional. Balance.
2015 - Rhythm. Bravery. Fitness.
2016 - Focus. Purpose. Do.
2017 - Pivot. Go. Grow.

LIFT 
One of my favorite quotes is "A rising tide lifts all ships." I want to be that rising tide for others. I will intentionally lift up others throughout the year, especially those that are unable to lift themselves. 

Another meaning for the word is a personal one. I have gotten away from lifting weights as part of my healthy lifestyle. I am determined to make 2018 the year that I get back to being a regular at the gym.  

"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."

-Booker T. Washington

CREATE
Create is a reminder to myself to be more than just a consumer. I didn't write as much here on my blog in 2017, and I want to create more in 2018. I'm looking forward to re-launching my Twitter Bootcamp Course this month, and I want to create more online and professional growth courses this year. This is the year that I'm determined to make some of my ideas become realities... it's the year to CREATE!

I love DIY projects and building with wood. Since my family moved into a new house in 2017, creating a welcoming space that is customized by us is important for me this year. 

"Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul."

-Alice Walker

RELENTLESS
This last word scares me. (Which is good, right?) The shy, insecure kid inside me creeps up and asks, "What if you falter? What if you're tired? What if you can't do it?" Even though it scares me, I know that the fear is the enemy. I'm prepared to face my fears and take on the challenge! I want to be relentless this year in reaching my goals, in creating, and in lifting others. 

Here are some areas where I want to be relentless (in no particular order, and to only name a few):
     - In being "present" for my family
     - In my faith
     - In my pursuit of equity for students
     - In learning more about literacy at the high school level
     - In building positive relationships with students and staff
     - In becoming the healthiest person I can be
     - In advocating for those that have no advocate

"Success is born out of faith, an undying passion, and a relentless drive."

-Stephen Curry

Thank you for letting me share with you my words for the new year. I would love for you to share yours with me in the comments below, on twitter (hashtag #my3words) or on Facebook.

Happy New Year!