Believe to Achieve: Paving the Way for You and Your Team in 2024
Hey there.
Every January, the focus on New Year's resolutions becomes the topic of conversation. Although they may be effective for some, the connection just isn't there for me. I think change happens gradually, and resolutions don't align with my belief in the evolving nature of personal growth. Also, aiming to be a healthier, fitter version of myself has come to feel like a mismatch for what contributes to a more rooted and balanced life.
For me, it's always been about the people in my life. I'm more interested in the quality of my relationships, striving for deeper and more meaningful connections. Having more realistic expectations of the people I work with, friends, family, etc.
So, instead of resolutions, I started embracing the practice of choosing a guiding word that reminds me of how I want to show up in the world.
This year, my chosen word is "Believe." Someone did playfully call me out for being all "Ted Lasso," and I love it! My focus for the year is an amalgam of words: focus, determination, blocking out the critics, confidence, and play – essentially, embodying the principles bundled up in Ted Lasso's "Believe."
Now, why am I sharing all this with you? When coaching individuals, doing strategic planning, or leading team-building activities, I introduce the process of doing a values sort. Choosing one word is a tiny shortcut that supports all of my values, which are defined by Acceptance and Commitment Training as – principled ways of being or behaviors that help you move towards what is important to you.
Choosing a word of the year is like having a North Star that guides me toward a more meaningful life. So, I'm going to Believe – believe that I can stay focused, be confident, and infuse some playfulness into my life. It's a conscious shift in mindset that aligns with ACT, helping me navigate through relationships, challenges, and daily tasks.
And here's the kicker – I'm choosing to Believe in the goodness of people. No more assuming everyone's out to challenge me or my ideas. If I approach things with a belief in the positive, it allows me to keep my mind flexible and open. Life's complicated, but I'm choosing to Believe that it's filled with potential for good outcomes, bringing focus, confidence, and a dash of joy to my journey.
Now, as you reflect on the upcoming year, consider choosing your own guiding word. What encapsulates your aspirations and principles? It could be a single word that resonates deeply with you, steering you toward a more meaningful and purposeful life. Embrace the power of intentionality and let your chosen word guide you through the adventures of the coming year.
If you're part of a team, why not extend this practice to them? Encourage each team member to select their own guiding word for the year. Share your words and discuss how these principles can collectively shape the team's dynamics and goals. This collaborative exercise not only fosters individual growth but also strengthens the bond within the team, creating a shared vision for a purposeful and meaningful year ahead. What words will inspire your team's journey in the upcoming year?
Write to me and share what your word of the year is. If you do this with your team, definitely report back to me how it went!
Here’s to a year full of Believing!
PS. Want to talk about how to shape your year ahead? Respond to this email and we can schedule a time.
