My Focus Word for 2018
The one word I'm using to guide me in the new year.
It's January which means a clean slate, a fresh start, and a new beginning. Many people like to create those dreaded inspiring new year's resolutions. A commonly cited statistic is that only 8% of us keep our resolutions. Sad, huh?!
Well for the last two years instead of creating these lofty goals and lengthy to-do's, I've decided to pick just one word to guide my year. This takes the stress out of making those detailed plans for life changes and simplifies it down into a single focus and overarching vision for the year.
My 2016 focus word was STRETCH and my 2017 word was BLEND. You can read more about them HERE.
The word I have chosen for 2018 is LISTEN.
I selected this word because:
With opening up my private practice last year I have found that daily I am practicing my active listening skills and I want to make sure I continue to stay grounded and present in my sessions with clients. One of my strengths is building rapport with clients and this is a large reason why.
I have unfortunately been going through the motions more with my son. He's 5-years-old and is at that annoying inquisitive stage. I'm often responding to him with absent-minded "mm-hmm's" and quick one-word answers instead of truly listening and absorbing what he's saying. I need to find a better way to embrace and truly hear his daily questions even if they number in the 100s.
I've found myself in situations where I've been straying away from listening to my gut. It's true that there is a definite gut-brain connection and sometimes I find in hindsight if I had only heeded my gut's warning I would have come to the answer quicker or made a better choice for myself.
I've discovered the world of podcasts and I find that I quite enjoy listening to the interesting musings of others on topics ranging from happiness to home improvement. This is a learning medium I'd like to explore more in the coming year.
I lost my grandmother last year and I miss listening to the family stories she used to tell. As my parents and relatives are aging, I want to make sure I soak up as much of their wise words, family history, and silly stories as possible during visits and social gatherings with them.
If you're interested in learning more about this "one-word movement" check out the book:
My One Word: Change Your Life With Just One Word by Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen
What is your focus word for 2018?
Please share with me in the comments.