For the last five years at this time of year I have reflected on the year past and set my intentions for the year ahead, whilst it has worked for me, to a certain degree, I feel there is something more that could help. Therefore, this year I have decided I need a fresh approach so have chosen to do things a little differently and use a focus word to help with my intentions for 2019.
This year my word and intention is to be more Courageous in my actions, step outside my comfort zone, fail, learn and move on. To remember the times when I have been brave and taken a leap and all the positives it brought. Also to remember the times the result may not have been ideal but how much I learnt because I took the chance. There is opportunity everywhere, time to stop overthinking, focus on my why and just go for it!
How to choose your Intention Word:
- Reflect on the previous year. What went well? What went wrong? What would you like to replace or do differently?
- Look at a word that is the opposite of any negatives that stood out in the previous year, e.g. if you felt overweight and out of shape in 2017, choose a word like Active, Fit or Athletic. Or if you felt, as I did, that you did not grasp opportunities or take significant steps because of some kind of fear then choose Courage, Brave, Fearless.
- Try an alphabetical list of words that resonate with you, a thesaurus can help. When you have a list, whittle it down to a few key words and test them out. See which one seems to evoke the most feeling.
- Give yourself time to select an Intention Word. Choose one for the week, month, quarter or even for the day.
- Share it, sometimes telling others can help with them being an extra reminder and provide further accountability for your intention.