Each stroke of the new-year drum gains clarity, beat by beat. I look forward with hope and three words to shape my 2019 story:
1 of 3 Words: FAITH
Faith is the foundation. Without daily nurturing and cultivating of faith, the other two words will wither. At best, they grow, but in the wrong direction and/or stunted in their full-bloom capacity. It’s like planting tomatoes but not taking the time and care to root them in the right soil, to feed them and protect them from the potential insects, weather or harmful outside forces that will slow or stop their healthy progress.
Several resources are go-tos for nurturing, growing and protecting my faith: my print version, KJV Bible–a book in which I write and apply post-it notes; my First5.org app; my church; my faithful sisters in Christ; and, my husband, whose biblical insights are unflagging.
2 of 3 Words: UNFETTER
I strive to unfetter from worry; from obligations that don’t matter; from tasks that bog down; from persistently negative people; from doom and gloom news; and, from unnecessary or self-imposed heaviness. Hmm, there seems to be a theme here.
It’s invigorating how an unfettered mind and heart are free to soak up rays of hope that are sent to us like lifelines, when times are tough. It’s also incredible the progress we make and the strength we parlay when unfettered from the minutiae, oftentimes self imposed by some warped sense of obligation or prudence.
To help me unfetter, I tap into various songs, podcasts and an exercise routine (walks to the lake with my dog, Roger, or spins on the elliptical). Unfettered time with my husband to laugh, luxuriate in a warm meal, watch a silly movie or DIY home improvement show or simply enjoy a Sunday drive around our little lake community, all serve to unfetter my mind and soul.
3 of 3 Words: DEEPEN
As in, dive deeper into key relationships; root out those no longer beneficial. Delve more richly into business and writing projects previously neglected, including client value-add services and ideas that lie dormant and dusty on my virtual shelves, averted when my attentions get sucked into insignificant tasks. Weeding out the insignificant will make room for the deep-dive into those waylaid initiatives and relationships.
To dive deeper, I invested in a new, leather-bound vintage writing journal in which to hand-write lists and check off progress, etc. For the past several years, employing a new-year journal has been integral in ramping up goals. There’s something about writing things out in long-hand that reinforces objectives.
As well, I have a stack of logo’d business notecards that I began tapping into for hand-written client communications, and my goal is to increase the momentum on this initiative.
The Intention of Deep-Diving
I think going deeper requires intention, the disciplined practice of ‘small steps’ (hat tip, Joe Jacobi), as well as embracing fluidity by being nimble and self-forgiving. Life will happen, even with all the unfettering and planning but I mustn’t let this derail from overall goals. It’s time to whittle away at unnecessary dealings and winnow down to core priorities more than ever when life throws curve balls. Maintaining a continual spirit of hope with a dollop of tenacity will keep the the three words for 2019 healthy, vibrant and growing!
To read my prior years’ three words, visit my posts between 2013 and 2018, here, here, here, here, here or here. Chris Brogan started the #threewords initiative in 2006. He explains it here: My 3 Words for 2019.
Please drop YOUR three words into the comments, below!
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I was inspired by this article, so I chose 3 words for myself for 2019: Calm, Action, Intention. I can already tell that they are going to guide my decision-making and path in 2019. Thanks for this great idea!
I love that you were inspired to choose 3 words, too, Donna!
I also love how the words “calm” + “action” have a natural juxtaposition. I think that calm will spur more meaningful and deliberate action, and your intention behind both will further refine your decision-making and path.
Thanks so much for participating, and all the best to you as your move forward in your 2019 goals!
Jacqui