My 3 Words for 2019

At the close of each year, I take time to reflect on the year and think about what I want to accomplish in the new year. 

I tend to be hard on myself, but I am learning (with the help of all of you in my PLN), that forgiving myself just as much as I forgive others is courageous and important. 

While I faced disappointments in 2018 that taught me many lessons, there were accomplishments and events that happened that keep me feeling inspired.

And it's you I have to thank. From my readers who connect with me on twitter and Voxer to those of you who believe in me and lift me up... Thank you for being a part of my 2018. 

As we head into 2019, I intentionally choose 3 words each year to serve as guideposts throughout the year. (It's a practice I started in 2014, after learning about it from Chris Brogan.) 

The words help keep me "in my lane" and focused on the goals I want to achieve during the year. 

Does that mean I'm perfectly focused? Not by a long shot.

There are some words that I should probably roll over into the next year because I simply didn't follow my own advice and got off-course during the year. But that's for another post...

One thing I did do in 2018 was that I did a monthly check-in with myself and my three words, which I will do again in 2019. (Try it! Just set a reminder or event on your calendar to show up each month.) 

I also used my goal-setting strategy to make sure that I wasn't over-extending myself (so that I could really accomplish all that was on my plate) and to keep balance in my personal and professional life. 

I've got three new words for 2019, which represent where I'm currently at and where I want to be by the end of the year. 

There are some big milestones that will happen in 2019 as well as some new adventures, so my words reflect the thoughts that surround those impending events, too. 

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I chose practice because it means two things to me. the first has to do with doing the daily work. When I was coaching athletes, I made sure that we had a structured practice plan and that we maximized our time together. 

Often, my athletes would say that the games were "easier" than the practices, because their limits were challenged many times during each practice so that when game time arrived, they would be ready for any physical, mental, or emotional challenge. 

The word Practice is my reminder throughout the year to do the daily work, and remember that it all adds up. 

This past year, one of my words was LIFT. I wanted to lift others up as well as get myself to the gym more. I was able to do both, and I want to continue to be consistent with coaching and lifting up others as well as taking care of myself. 

Practice is also a reminder to tackle those things that I'm not good at. If I shy away from certain things because I'm not good at them, then I'll never be good at them. 

I want to keep trying new things, whether it's something personal or professional, and even especially when they scare me and when I have room to grow. 

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My next word was inspired by a blog post written by Joe Jacobi, where he shares that one of his words is Actions (read his post for the inspiring event that helped him choose the word.) 

Then, as I was reading through Chris Brogan's previous posts, I saw that he had chosen Execute for one of his words for 2018. A light bulb went off. 

When I think of the word execute, it means to me to do something well (like, "They executed the basketball play well.") I also think of carrying out plans and acting on intentions. 

Merriam-Webster defines EXECUTE as this:

     ~ to carry out fully : put completely into effect

     ~  to do what is provided or required by

     ~  to make or produce (something, such as a work of art) especially by carrying out a design

     ~  to perform what is required to give validity to

So while Practice is about doing the daily work and getting better at something, Execute is about facing fears and "pushing the button." 

I want the new year to be full of actions and not regrets, and I'm looking forward to having these two words to guide me. 

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My first two words are practice and execute... they have to do with actions. BE is a word that in my mind is the opposite. 

It's about letting go of the need to achieve and filling the space with acceptance. 

It's about embracing peace and being fully present for myself and others. 

It's about having faith and love and knowing that I am who I am and that I am enough. 

Join the movement and share your three words on twitter using the hashtag #my3words. Feel free to tag me, too. I want to be your cheerleader!

My Past 3 Word Choices

2014 - Discipline. Intentional. Balance.

2015 - Rhythm. Bravery. Fitness.

2016 - Focus. Purpose. Do.

2017 - Pivot. Go. Grow.

2018 - Lift. Create. Relentless.