Words of Focus and Intention for the New Year

Instead of making a list of resolutions that won’t last through the end of January, consider the practice of choosing words of intention and focus to guide you through the new year. Whether you choose one word or several, these can provide a way to help you grow and develop in areas that are important to you this coming year.

How I Learned About this Practice 

This past year, I attended a goal-setting call through the BossBabe Societe, and I was challenged to choose some focus words for the next few months. We were then guided to put these words in our phones as a silent alarm or reminder that would go off at a specific time each day. I had never heard of such a practice, but I was willing to try.

I chose the words Joyful, Positive, and Focused to go off on my phone at 12:00 each day. After the call, I quickly forgot about it and went about the rest of my day.

As I read the news during my lunch break the next day, my phone buzzed. The words Joyful, Positive, Focused showed up on my screen. I paused, looked up from the article I was reading, and asked myself if those words were valid. The bump in my routine caused me to rethink that depressing article about the pandemic and think about something else for a change. Unfortunately, worrying about a virus wasn’t helping me with my daily joy.  

The next day my phone buzzed again around lunchtime. As I reread the reminder, I realized I needed to pivot my attitude. It was pretty interesting how that little speed bump in the middle of the day got me thinking about my mindset and intentions. 

At some point, I decided to stop having the reminders go off each day. But the practice stuck with me and inspired my post today.

New Years Resolutions- Not Really My Thing

I don’t make resolutions. In fact, I am not really a “Happy New Year” type of person. Most of the time, I am asleep long before the clock strikes midnight. Although there have been a few years where we celebrate with others, and I stay up for the festivities. But, If I’m to be honest, I would much rather fall asleep and let the new year happen while I’m cozy and dreaming.

This year was no different. While my sons and husband played video games, I was asleep with my earplugs in and the sleep mask over my eyes. 

But, before I closed my eyes to 2021, I had spent time thinking about how to greet the new year. Would I set goals, resolutions or do something a little different? As I was scrolling Twitter (follow me @mmejendouglas) on New Year’s Eve, I read several tweets asking us to share our words for the New Year.  I especially remember this tweet by @ThanksCancer.

These tweets reminded me of those months when the simple words “Joyful, Positive, Focused” popped up on my phone.  

If I were to do that again, what words would I choose for the new year?

What would my New Year’s words be?

Choosing Words of Intention for 2022

Busy and scattered would be the words I’m feeling most of the time. In fact, as I’m writing this, I need to pause, close my eyes and envision a clear lake with no ripples in it. 

My thoughts keep crashing and swirling as I type. I’m pulled from every direction, and each time a new distraction comes it I lose the momentum of the moment. Tapping into my soul and getting it on the page seems only possible if I close my eyes and type blind. The devices need to be on do not disturb, the headphones need to be on, and I can’t be around anyone else. This blind writing seems to be the only way to get the words on the page. I wonder if the reason I can’t access this part of my soul is that I’ve let myself get out of practice.

My book is in a state of pause with editing right now, and I’m struggling to keep the motivation to write. It is easier to read other people’s words than to write what I wish to share. The discipline of writing and getting posts out on a schedule has fallen by the wayside. In its place have popped up other activities. But, if I am to grow and develop as a writer, I must write.  

As I went about my household chores the few days before January 1, the word that kept popping up in my head was priority.  I needed to make daily writing a priority.

I decided to make priority my first word of 2022. I intend to act with priority each day. That means that I must ignore the possibilities of distraction. I must close my eyes and type blind on the keyboard if that is what it takes. 

Just now, I heard the door to my bedroom open. I know my husband just walked in, but I haven’t stopped typing. He could be standing right in front of me as far as I know. I keep tapping on the keys. If writing is my priority, then I must act accordingly.

What Words of Intention Would You Choose?

So, as we enter the new year, I ask you, what would be your word (or words) of intention for the year?

I decided on three that will guide me, but I will leave you with just this one for now.  

I challenge you to take some time. Go for a walk, take a long shower, sit outside ( or inside if it is cold), and really think. If you were to embark on a journey of intention this year, what word would be your guiding light?

I would absolutely love to know what word or words you’d choose. So comment down below, or send me an email to share it with me.

If you’d like to read another excellent post by a fellow blogger and breast cancer advocate on this topic, head on over to Abigail’s website and read about her word for this year and also previous years.  You can find her on Twitter @AMJohnston1315. 

Stay tuned for more writing as I share the other two words I’ve chosen for 2022.