The word of 2016

Last year, instead of choosing specific goals for 2015, I chose a word, and used it as a theme for each month throughout the year. Last year’s word was FOCUS.

It served me well; instead of getting over-involved in projects and social engagements, I learned (and am still learning) to put myself first and choose only those projects that I enjoy. This proved to be a tough lesson month after month, but by the end of the year, I think I’ve started to get the hang of it. I’m using these lessons from last year to fuel 2016.

In addition to last year’s intention, I’ve finally landed on a good one for 2016: STRONG.

Why STRONG? A few reasons:

1. Physically. I’m hitting the big 3-0 this year, and I want to enter my 30s in great physical shape. Weight lifting and yoga will be my biggest allies this year. My interest in being physically strong isn’t just for looks, but also for health – strong muscles and bones will help me stay injury-free.
2. Self-control. I spent the majority of my early 20s being defensive. I thought surely everyone was ‘out to get me.’ This is a crazy way to live! Truth is (take a deep breath): no one is concerned with you. Most people are only worried about themselves, which is a huge lesson I’ve learned in my late 20s.  I’ve learned to cool my reactions to people (still learning!), and not immediately jump to conclusions. I want to focus on keeping this quality in my 30s.
3. Confidence. This is my current jam, for all the right reasons. A large portion of my teens and most of my 20s were spent worrying about meeting expectations. Only, these weren’t my expectations, they were ones I assumed I needed to meet, expectations set by ‘society’. What will people say if I do this, what will happen if I do that, that’s not what people my age/gender/professional level do! It’s exhausting trying to meet these imaginary demands. I’m entering my 30s feeling GREAT about being me and marching to the beat of my own drum.
4. Willpower. I have a handful of personal and professional goals that I want to meet this year. I’m already incredibly self-motivating and a self-starter, but I don’t want to lose steam this year. Determination is one of my ‘seksi-est’ qualities (in my own sweet mind) and this year is as good as any to keep it going.

Do you set goals for the year? By week? By month? Leave a comment and share one so we can hold each other accountable!