Why Choose a Word for the New Year?

This morning I finally decided on my word for 2019. I’ll share it with you in a little bit but first I should probably start with why the heck I choose a word for the new year each year.

I choose a word to use as a mantra or guiding light during the year. It helps me remember how I want to feel and what I want to achieve.

For example, In 2016 my word was “light.” I wanted everything in my life to feel “light.” In other words, I wanted my weight to be literally light(er) and less than it currently was at the time of deciding on the word. I wanted my work at home business to be lighter in the sense that I wanted to cut out the unnecessary tasks that were weighing it down, not producing income and making me miserable. That’s when I developed the 5 Skills You Absolutely Need to Successfully Work From Home. I also wanted “lighter” relationships – focusing on the good ones and giving less attention to toxic relationships. Get the idea? 

For 2017 my word was growth and I used it to gauge that I was creating growth in all aspects of life – spiritual, family, personal development, business.

In 2018 I wanted to lead with love, so my word was love. Every decision I made was based on love – whether it be love for myself or love for my family, friends, business, passions.

How to Choose a Word for the New Year

This is my fourth year to choose a word for the new year. I’ve had several people ask me how I come up with my word for the year and decide on it. I think it’s a personal journey and unique to each individual. Here are some basic principles I’ve created to help you choose a word for your new year.

Answer each question below to help you choose a word for the new year.

1. What do you want to create?
   
   What are some of the goals you have for this year? You can write down more than one.Maybe your goal to step outside your comfort zone and start a new business. Maybe you’re getting married or having a baby. Maybe you’re wanting to mend old relationships. Perhaps you’re traveling.What is it you want to create this year?
2. What do you want to feel?How we feel is usually the driving force behind what we want to create. For instance if you want to create a new business – maybe that’s because you want to feel “free.” If you’re getting married or having a baby the feeling behind that is “love.” Maybe you want to mend old relationships so you can feel “peace.”Get the idea? What is it that you ultimately want to feel in 2019? Write down as many of these words as you’d like. Take special note of any words that pop into your head when you ask yourself “How do I want to feel this year?” Write them all down.
3. BrainstormThis is where it gets exciting! Take each of the words you’ve written down in steps one and two and expand upon them. Write down other words that are closely related. Pay close attention to any words that randomly pop into your head and write those down too!
4. Read them out loudGo through all of the words you’ve written down in steps 1-3 and read each one out loud. As you read them out loud take note of how you feel with each one. Are there some you are more connected with than others? Which ones really light you up?As you read each word, it may be helpful to you to use this sentence “I want to feel more _____.” In other words, don’t just read the words, start with the phrase “I want to feel” then insert the word. I’m a firm believer than when you read your word out loud you will know when you have the right one. If not, move on to step 5 and check out the additional ideas I’ve shared below!
5. Share your wordOften times close friends and family can see things about us that we can’t see for ourselves. Narrow down your decision to five or less, then share them with a close confidant to get their input and help you decide.

100+ Ideas to Choose as Your Word for the New Year

This year my word is grace. My goal is to extend grace to myself and others, and find more grace in my spirituality.

What is your word? If you have one, please share below! If you’ve gone through the steps above and are still uncertain then check out this list I’ve created below.  You’ll see 100+ words to choose from and make your own.

Once you enter your email address to access the list, go through the list and see if any words jump out to you! If any word or words jump out to you then take them and repeat Steps 4 & 5 above.

Once you’ve decided, please share your word below!

1. Strong
2. Success
3. Growth
4. Simple
5. Value
6. Trust
7. Inspired
8. Brave
9. Complete
10. Confident
11. Bold
12. Radiant
13. Powerful
14. Motivated
15. Creative
16. Joyful
17. Gentle
18. Connect3ed
19. Ease
20. Worthy
21. Courageous
22. Heard
23. Accomplished
24. Successful
25. Full
26. Whole
27. Peaceful
28. Determined
29. Cherished
30. Whole
31. Enlightened
32. Quiet
33. Calm
34. Abundant
35. Free
36. Grateful
37. Light
38. Authentic
39. Encouraged
40. Well
41. Embraced
42. Tender
43. Relaxed
44. Hopeful
45. Celebrate
46. Transform
47. Intentional
48. Better
49. Kind
50. Present
51. Faithful
52. Forgiven
53. Grace
54. Unstoppable
55. Renewed
56. Focused
57. Devoted
58. Tranquil
59. Risen
60. Persistent
61. Aware
62. Organized
63. Empowered
64. Intuition
65. Compassion
66. Creative
67. Centered
68. Sparkle
69. Balanced
70. Harmony
71. Aligned
72. Challenged
73. Zen
74. Nourished
75. Released
76. Wise
77. Happy
78. Charity
79. Spiritual
80. Blessed
81. Open
82. Uplifted
83. Well
84. Still
85. Alive
86. Awakened
87. Badass
88. Fierce
89. Genuine
90. Jubilent
91. Upbeat
92. Allowed
93. Entrusted
94. Compelled
95. Vibrant
96. Dynamic
97. Mighty
98. Redeemed
99. Mindful
100. Alive
101. Prosperous
102. Uncomplicated
103. Journey
104. Comfort
105. Bliss

What’s your word for the year? Share it below!