Ever heard of picking or choosing a “Guiding Word of the Year”? If you know about it but are unsure how to choose one, or if this idea is totally new to you, I’ve got you cove red!
The beginning of a new year brings a time of reflection and goal-setting. Many people make New Year resolutions, but another powerful approach is to choose a guiding word for the year.
This word acts as a compass, guiding your decisions and goals. In this post, we will explore how to select a word that resonates with your aspirations and how it can positively impact your life.
Let’s go through how to choose a guiding word and make it a part of your everyday life.
The Importance of a Guiding Word
A Focus for Your Goals
Have you ever felt that goals or New Year resolutions can start to feel a bit like strict rules? That’s why I prefer using a guiding word—it gives me more freedom. It’s like setting an intention, so every move I make during the year has a purpose and meaning tied to it.
A guiding word helps in focusing on your goals. It acts as a mantra or a motto, steering you back to what’s important when distractions arise.
Simplifying Decision Making
Decision-making gets easier with a guiding word. It acts as a parameter: does this option align with my word and, as a result, with my goals?
How to choose the guiding word of the year?
Take a moment to think about yourself, and that’ll guide you in picking your word of the year. Here is a question to assist you.
During the past year, I felt that I was ___________.
Example: stressed, happy, motivated, tired, anxious, failure.
Keep it simple—write 1 to 3 words that spontaneously come to mind.
Make sure the word is something you want to do rather than something you believe you should do. We are more likely to stick to our commitment if we use terms that reflect our personality.
To avoid the impact of outside opinion, resist the temptation to talk with someone before making a decision.
How do you want to feel by the end of the year?
What emotions do you wish to experience on December 31st? You can express yourself in a paragraph or with bullet points. Do you want to feel like you had a balanced and relaxed year, for example? Or perhaps you want to feel like you evolved as a person this year?
Write down your goals for a new year
For example: I want to spend more time with friends and family. Or I want to learn a new skill.
List a few words that come to mind, reflecting the themes for the upcoming year based on your responses.
Imagine you faced challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance last year, affecting your well-being. For a renewed focus on this balance, consider words like Harmony, Wellness, Prioritize, Boundaries, or Renewal as your words for the year.
Suppose you experienced stress last year, impacting your time with loved ones. If you aim for a more relaxed and balanced year, your chosen words could be: Balance, Relax, Mindfulness, Family, or Rest.
Selecting a word for the entire year may feel overwhelming. Consider changing your word every three months, allowing you to have four words in a year.
While there’s no strict rule for this, I suggest not going for more than 2 or 3 words; it’s like having lots of goals and not achieving any.
Making the Final Choice
Trusting Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your gut. The right word usually feels like a natural fit.
Embracing Flexibility
Remember, the word is a guide, not a strict rule. Be open to it evolving throughout the year.
Implementing Your Guiding Word
Creating Reminders
Place reminders of your word around your space – notes, wallpapers, or in kitchen can serve as constant prompts.
Find ways to incorporate your word into daily decisions and actions. It should be a lens through which you view your day-to-day life.
Wrap up
Choosing a guiding word is a powerful way to shape your year. It provides clarity and direction, simplifying decision-making and keeping your goals aligned. As you embark on this journey, remember that the right word can be a transformative tool, leading you towards a fulfilling and intentional year.
So now the next question is: How will you use your chosen word in your daily life?
I really loved the way you have simply shared how we can manifest and mark a change in our lives with simple things. The first instinct as you mentioned even I also believed in the same.
I hadn’t heard about guiding word but it makes perfect sense. I was never someone to make resolutions but guiding word sounds like a constantly reminder fot the incrememtal change that you want to bring within yourself.
I’ve never heard about the ‘Guiding word’. Thanks for the enlightening article. Yes, we make a long list of New Year’s resolutions but end up doing nothing. This ‘Guiding word’ rule looks easier to follow.
Wow Anjali, you actually made resolutions look easy and achievable with the guiding words concept. Shall try it out.
Well, honestly this is a new concept for me. I haven’t heard about this in such a way, but I kind of associate with the concept. This is a great way to start a new year.
Wow, such a positive post. I usually don’t make any new year resolutions, just go with the flow. But i liked the concept of ‘guiding word’ new for me, also as u said don’t ask others, it impacts, that’s true. Make our own guiding word and try to implement on it. I choose ‘Balance’ just like my zodiac sign.
I had never chosen a guiding word but this post gives away positivity and it sounds interesting indeed!
Your post on choosing a guiding word of the year offers novel advice. The step-by-step process is helpful for a structured approach. Will try!
This is an excellent way to choose a guiding word! I started this thing from last only, and my word for 2023 was gratitude. I am yet to narrow down for 2024.
The concept of choosing a guiding word is new to me, however, reading about it here, makes me think that it is really something worthwhile. It is an exercise I want to personally do in 2024. Thanks for sharing this.
Loved this post. Though I have chosen a phrase instead of a single word this year. “Less is more”. I hope this helps me grab my goals for this year.
Wow I was completely unaware about this concept but looks very effective. The only agenda is to keep your goals aligned for year and just go with the flow 👏🏻good one
This is something I practice every year. Your wrap-up is amazing. My manifestation for this year is “GROW”.
Selecting a guiding word for the year is pivotal. Consider your aspirations, values, and personal growth. Reflect on the impact you desire. Let your chosen word illuminate your path ahead.
Your guide on choosing a guiding word of the year is insightful and practical. Your thoughtful tips provide a clear roadmap for individuals seeking a meaningful and purposeful word to guide them. Well-articulated and helpful!
Agreeing with you.. Adding my opinion s too..Choosing a guiding word for the year involves reflecting on your goals, values, and aspirations. Consider what theme or focus you want to emphasize in the coming year. Think about areas of personal or professional growth. Your word should inspire and guide you. Once you have ideas, narrow them down and choose a word that resonates most strongly with your vision for the year ahead.
At the end of each year, dictionaries come up with their own “word of the year”.
What you have shared is the way to go, Anjali!
Listing our own words and sticking to our goals is the key. What do we want to achieve at the end of the year? That is up to us. What words do we choose to guide us there? That is our choice too!
Have a great 2024!