2017 Word of the Year

It’s almost time to say goodbye — or good riddance — to 2016.

 

Between the many pop icons who left us too soon, Brexit, attacks on Aleppo, police violence, the Pulse nightclub massacre, Hurricane Matthew, Castro’s death, and of course, the U.S. election, 2016 was chock full of drama.

 

As a strong proponent of less drama, I limit my exposure to the news and focus on managing the only person I can control: me.

 

Over the past two years, in lieu of a New Year’s resolution, I’ve chosen a Word of the Year to help me pay attention to my goals and keep me from being sidetracked by lots of drama. You can read about my word choices for 2015 (here) and 2016 (here).

 

For 2016 I chose the word GROWTH.

 

Because I returned to working full-time, I didn’t have as much time to put into my business as I have in the past. And although it didn’t grow by the numbers I had hoped, it has continued to grow steadily over the year with new clients, new blog subscribers, and new followers on social media.

 

The most growth happened over the summer when I created and launched my self-paced online course, Parenting with Patience. I’m immensely proud of the program and of the feedback I’ve received from participants. I plan to continue promoting it in 2017.

 

 

My word for the new year is COURAGE.

 

I recently heard one of my favorite coaches, Brooke Castillo, say, “Discomfort is the currency to your dream life. The more uncomfortable you are willing to be, the closer your life will align to what you want it to be.”

 

I decided right then and there that I wanted to get really good at being uncomfortable.

 

I know from experience that discomfort usually gets in the way of accomplishing both personal and professional goals. Exercise can be uncomfortable. Resisting sugar can be uncomfortable. Speaking on live video can be uncomfortable. Having difficult conversations with people can be uncomfortable. Practicing restraint when we feel like yelling at our kids can be uncomfortable. You get the idea.

 

This year, rather than resisting it, I plan to notice discomfort as a part of the process of moving toward my goals. I plan to go outside of my comfort zone more, so I can stretch myself and flex my COURAGE muscles.

 

Then yesterday, my word choice was reaffirmed. While listening to Michael Hyatt’s This Is Your Life podcast, he talked about how COURAGE is not the absence of fear; it’s the ability to act in spite of it.

 

So, while I know that 2017 may be full of discomfort and fear, I’m inspired to use COURAGE to move through those feelings and get amazing results in my life. As always, I’ll let you know how it all goes down.

 

What word did you choose last year and how did it impact you? What word will you choose for 2017? Leave your ONE word in the comments below. Feel free to say a little something about why you chose it, too. We can keep each other accountable throughout the year.

 

P.S. If your word is PATIENCE, you’ve got to check out my online course, Parenting with Patience right now!