New Year’s Resolutions (The Fun Way!)
Our daily actions are driven by how we feel. Hungry? Eat! Tired? Sleep! Our New Year’s Resolutions are often punitive (lose weight, workout more, save money, etc.), and lack the emotional incentive to keep us motivated - so it’s no wonder that they quickly fall by the wayside.
Choosing a word of the year allows me to bring in small actions which instantly bring reward. My word of 2022 is “powerful”. I feel most powerful when I stick to my word, fuel my body, and challenge myself, so this year I’ll be eating more protein, dressing in power suits, listening to this mantra, and switching up my gentle yoga for strength workouts. How easy is that?
Below I share four easy steps to define your word of the year. I hope you enjoy this exercise, and that it brings you a little closer to the best version of yourself.
Determine how you don't want to feel
Reflect on the past year. How did you show up? Was this a year of growth, or one of rest? By looking at what we didn’t love, we’re able to take accountability of where we’re at and create change for the future. Sink into any feelings of discomfort, and get curious on what you’re ready to leave behind.
Envision your ideal self
Close your eyes, and let yourself dream. What do you look like? What are some activities you enjoy? How do you feel when you’re moving about the world in a way that feels vibrant and authentic to you?
Define this vibe in a word that excites you
Pick one word that encapsulates how you want to feel every day, and let it move you. If it doesn’t get you excited, dig a little deeper, check out some synonyms, or spend more time on step 2. You’ll know when you’ve got it!
Enjoy activities that invoke this feeling
Define what this word means to you, then do things that make you feel this way. This practice should feel like an expansion. Some activities might be a little further outside your comfort zone, while others are already familiar, just done with intention more frequently.