What is YOUR Word for the Year?

Some time ago, I developed a practice of deciding on a word or phrase that would be my overarching theme for the next year. Rather than create numerous resolutions that I might or might not remember, I learned that this one word or phrase could be called to mind frequently and quickly help me remember my theme for the year.

The word or phrase became like a mantra to me, a sacred, holy concept that pointed me in the direction I was choosing to go. If I got off track (and I frequently did), remembering my word brought back the memory of why I chose this word and what my intentions were when I made it.

You can use this process to help you move toward achieving more career satisfaction this year.

Here's how it's done.

First, decide what you are unhappy about in your career situation, where you would like to be one year from now and what you would like to change. In other words, where are you missing work satisfaction? What do you need to do to create meaningful work?

Next, take a look at what might be stopping you from achieving a work purpose that could be experienced as a dream career. In other words, what's the gap? The gap may consist of internal or external factors - or both.

For example, you might decide that you need more schooling or training to move into a more rewarding career - or to achieve something in your current career that is very desirable to you. If that's the case, be honest in answering the question, 'Why haven't I taken the training or schooling I need to advance in my career?' See what comes up.

You might find you're saying things to yourself like, "I don't have the time. My family would see even less of me. I don't have the money. It will take too long," etc.

Some of the 'objections' might involve real challenges. But you could take each objection and ask if you've really considered there might be a solution to that obstacle - or have you just accepted these objections as facts? For example, might your company pay your tuition? Could you apply for a scholarship; grant; loan? What if you talked to your family about your desire and why you would like to do this? You may find doors begin to open where you thought there were none.

Then, examine your use of time. Many of us complain about not having enough time to do the things we want to do, but we don't examine how we're spending our time now.

Think about a typical week. How much time do you spend watching television? Movies? Reading for pleasure? Hanging out with friends at the local pub after work? Talking on the phone with friends?

In other words, what are the potential time-wasters in your life? Tony Robbins has said that you can't do the things you've always done and expect different results. What do you need to do differently in your life that may give you the chance to create different results? If you're honest, you'll probably find that you can find time to dedicate to uncovering the meaningful work you've always wanted.

I'm reminded of what the novelist Sue Grafton said about the years she spent writing in obscurity before the success of her ABC Murder Mysteries. Her husband was a full-time student getting his PhD. She worked full time as a medical secretary and had several small children. After preparing supper, spending time with the kids and putting them to bed, she wrote each evening from 8-11 pm - for years.

If Sue Grafton had crafted a word or theme for the year (or more) she wrote every evening, she may have selected words like, "Persevere," or "Create, No Matter What!" or "Consistency." You get the idea.

The word or phrase YOU select should have something of a command about it as well. It's your reminder that you will adhere to this promise you made yourself to make this year the one that will bring you closer to a meaningful career and the life you have really wanted for yourself.

What will your word or phrase be this year? Play in the gap until your longing for what you wish to create becomes clear. Then, choose the word or phrase that will sustain you throughout the year; the word or phrase that will allow you to measure your progress and that will help you return to your purpose when you have forgotten.

Don't underestimate the power of a word or phrase to give you the momentum you need to create your dream career.

Seed Newsvine

Bookmark this article in your preferred program

Comments

Add Comment

Popular Articles in this cathegory

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.