Many studies have shown that most people fail at keeping their New Years resolutions. According to one statistic reported by U.S. News and World Report, 80% of people will fail by the second week of February.
This year, instead of making a long list of resolutions that you will most likely not stick to, try something different. Think of a word or theme that you want to focus on all year. Choose a word that will positively impact your life as a whole. The key to this exercise is to choose only ONE word; not three or five things you want to focus on for the year. Choosing just one, will keep you from being overwhelmed. It will help you stay on track and will give you clarity as you make decisions throughout the year. Weave this word into your daily routine and lifestyle. If you stay consistent and always go back to your word throughout the year, you'll see significant changes in your life and business.
Here are seven female entrepreneurs who share their 2019 Word of the Year and Why.
FUN – “I feel like we put so much focus into achievement, and then again into shutting off.. but what happened to the fun? I plan to learn how to DJ and go to as many salsa, belly dance and African dance classes as possible."
- Sahara Rose, Best-selling Ayurveda Author and Host of Highest Self Podcast
CHOICE – “The power of Choice reminds us that in every situation or decision we always have at least two options when deciding our next action step and is the basis of living free. CHOOSING our actions empowers us to feel like we're involved in life's process, and not just taking what's being given our way, and in turn, offers us the opportunity to create the life we really desire to live."
- Sara Quiriconi, Founder and Creator of the Live Free Manifesto, Unfck Your Body Series, and Author of Living {Cancer} Free
MENTAL FREEDOM – “What I've witnessed with my clients and students in 2018 is a lot of internal struggle and desire to break free from the self-imposed chains that bind them - 2018 was all about planting the seeds of mental freedom and in 2019 those seeds grow to fruition! I believe we'll all feel more free to be our most authentic selves, self-doubt and self-judgment will dissipate, and all the "shoulds" we hold against ourselves won't carry as much weight."
- Dr. Deganit Nuur, DAOM, L.Ac., MSTOM, Clairvoyant, Acupuncturist, Metaphysical Teacher
CURIOUS – “ I believe that following our curiosity is what guides us naturally in the direction of our most aligned and fulfilling life. For me, staying curious means keeping an open heart and mind, which creates space for possibilities we didn't even know existed."
- Ruby Warrington, Founder of The Numinous and Author of Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All On The Other Side of Alcohol
WOMAN EMPOWERED – “Woman working together to raise each other and support one another dreams and efforts is what I am focused on for 2019."
- Sabra Seligman, Owner of Manna Life Food, Holistic wellness expert, Plant-based nutrition coach
FAITH – “There have been many years in my life where I have completely lost faith in myself, my health, my loved ones and my purpose. This past year was a process of rebuilding that faith and I want to establish a strong foundation of faith in 2019. Faith in myself, my strong body, the loves in my life and the work I am meant to do here on earth."
- Nitika Chopra, Talk Show Host & Chronic Illness Advocate
RESILIENCE - “In a culture where we duck and dive difficulty, turmoil or failure, it's important to recognize that avoiding said setbacks is futile. Victory and progress lie in the hands of those that acknowledge the role of failure as a mentor that builds our strength and character. In my opinion, resilience is the greatest quality one can possess because it makes the bounce back faster each and every time."
- Hugette Montesinos, CEO of Disfunkshion Magazine, Speaker, Educator
Try this exercise for yourself as you start the new year. Think of this word as a way to create a lasting lifestyle mindset shift, not a short-term personal development “diet". Write this word out, put it up in places where you will be reminded of it and think of the many ways that you can embody this word in your life.
Reflect on this word. Ask yourself the following questions:
Why did you choose this word?
What will you do to embody this word?
What books can you read or listen via audiobooks to stay focused on this word?
What podcasts or audiobooks can you listen to so that you stay focused on this word?
What activities can you engage in to stay focused on this word?
Who can you surround yourself with that will keep you focused on this word?
What events can you go to that will help to stay focused on this word?
What media can you watch to stay focused on this word?
Which social media accounts can you follow to keep you focused on this word?
How will this word affect how you show up in your life, business and relationships?
What affirmations can you recite each day that will keep you focused on this word?
How will your life positively change by staying focused on this word throughout the entire year?
Stay focused on your word of the year and you'll create lasting habits and mindset shifts that will positively impact your life and business!
WRITTEN BY
Marian Bacol-Uba