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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

My 3 Words for 2016

My 3 words for 2016


At the end of 2013, I had an "aha" moment. I had been a long-time coach and believed in the power of positive words and messages. Until then, I had been setting new year's resolutions, usually to have them not met by the middle of January. I would feel like a failure, even though my brain was trained to use missteps as learning opportunities, I still felt like my goals were out the window before the season had even changed in the new year. I realized that even though I believed in mottos, words, and motivational phrases, I hadn't used them as a way to direct my yearly goals.

I had long admired Chris Brogan and Jon Gordon and their "words for the year," and in 2014 I decided to follow the model of Chris Brogan and choose 3 words to drive my thoughts, decisions, and actions for the year. The result? A wonderful year of "failures" and successes. Each success and failure became part of my journey within the parameters of my three words, and I had a much more meaningful, purpose-driven life.

Even after being called out by Jon Gordon in 2014, I stuck with choosing 3 words for 2015. The three words provide guideposts for me, especially when I want to become distracted or have to make difficult decisions. This past year has been a year of stepping outside of my comfort zone, creating flow and rhythm in my personal- and professional-life balance, and staying mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. 

"Taking action in alignment with your true values and your deepest desires is the key to a happy an meaningful life."  -- Stacey Curnow


After much thought of what my goals are for 2016 and words that would be meaningful and powerful to me, I want to share them with you here as part of my accountability.

focus


The first of my words is FOCUS. I have a very curious brain, and I usually have several projects going at once. I love learning, teaching, and sharing, and I've been told my brain is like a pinball machine inside my head. While I enjoy the pace and challenge of having several things going at once, I want to really do a deep dive into meditation and focus, and make sure that I am giving my very best to each project that I'm a part of. 


purpose


Another of my 3 words for 2016 is PURPOSE. Sometimes I have a hard time saying no (see FOCUS above), even when my actions would not be purposeful for others or myself. I want to make sure that in 2016 I examine all that I do so that I am bringing good into the world that is purposeful and impactful. While I am a very positive person, I want my actions to also have meaning and purpose for others and myself.

do


The third word for 2016 is DO. For me, this means "just take action." There are so many times that I don't know how to do something or I fear that if I do something it will be wrong, and it prevents me from doing. Not in 2016. I'm going to go for it. Whether it's trying something new with technology, sharing a new PD idea with staff, planning a road trip for my family, or building new furniture for my home... I'm going to take action. Be forewarned... I may try to drag you on my journey of doing, too. :-)


3 words for 2016


When Jon Gordon asked me to narrow down my three words into one, I chose INTENTIONAL, as it undergirded the other two words of Discipline and Balance for 2014. For 2015, BRAVERY would have been my one word, as it would allow me to step out of my comfort zone to create Rhythm and Fitness in my life.

As I review the three words for the new year, I truly have a hard time narrowing it down to only one word. I would say DO, but I don't want my actions to be without focus or purpose. So for 2016, I'm definitely choosing three words to light my path. 


I would love for you to share your one or three words in the comments and connect on Twitter or Voxer (@jennifer_hogan).



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15 comments:

  1. Such great guiding words for the year! I think focus is so important...I'm finding myself committed to too many things and some focus could help me, too!
    Happy New Year!
    Michelle Brezek

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Michelle. I love to learn and try new things and help others... all which lead to me saying YES a lot. I'm not complaining by any means; I just want to be more focused and purposeful in my choices. Have a terrific week and year!
      Jennifer

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  2. Love this post Jennifer. 2016 is going to be a remarkable year. Continuing to express gratitude, practice mindfulness, and eliminating drama will be my main personal and professional commitments. If successful, and I will be, everything else will fall into place. Wishing you the very best Jennifer.

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    1. Candace, those are terrific commitments you have made to yourself and others. You are in for a wonderful year! Thanks for commenting.
      Best,
      Jennifer

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  3. I appreciate the fact that you chose DO but wanted also to have FOCUS and PURPOSE which makes the DO so much more empowering. Keep lighting the way-

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    1. Thanks for your comment! I want to make sure my DO is on point in 2016 and not distracting or distracted. Happy New Year!
      Jennifer

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  4. Great post. My words are Flipping the Iceberg. It's explained here:
    https://t.co/Ot5qJBmJ2f

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    1. Hi, Jan. I just read your post and really enjoyed it! I left you a comment on your blog, too. I love the graphic by Sylvia Duckworth!
      Wishing you a terrific year,
      Jennifer

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  5. Excellent blog post! I love your three words: Focus, Purpose, Do. Looking forward to being an accountability partner through #compelledtribe in 2016! http://bit.ly/Reflect2015

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    1. Hi, Tamara. I'm looking forward to more collaboration in the tribe this year, too. You're posts really get me thinking and DOing!
      Happy New Year!
      Jennifer

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  6. Really great words! I love the graphics, too. What a nice way to amp them up even more. Do is a favorite. :)

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    1. Thanks for reading and commenting, Chris. I appreciate the inspiration for the three words. DO is a must, I just want to make sure it's fruitful and purposeful.
      Wishing you the best in the new year,
      Jennifer

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  7. Mine: One. Discipline. Excrement. http://bit.ly/swb2016words

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    1. Thanks for commenting and sharing, Steven. Best wishes on meeting your goals in 2016!
      Jennifer

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  8. I think Focus is really an important one! Its so easy to get off focus and want to venture into other ideas. Stay focused on the main goal and the smaller goals will get accomplished along the way!

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