Focus
“Where your focus goes; your energy flows.”—Tony Robbins
A few years ago, I chose to stop making resolutions for the New Year. It wasn’t an act of rebellion or giving up on goal setting. I just realized that a year is a very long time. A lot can change in 365 days in terms of what we want and how we choose to get there—or in terms of the world around us.
I stopped making resolutions because I needed something more overarching that would provide a foundation as I considered goals throughout the year. I wanted a theme or mantra that would ground me and support my intended mindset.
Enter: the word of the year.
The first time I heard of choosing a word of the year was the end of 2018, when a high school friend posted about their word on social media. I loved the idea of allowing a word to channel my intention setting—something that would be short and easy to remember but also provide clarity and guidance.
My friend’s word was “Gratitude,” and she used it throughout the year to shift her mindset to the positive. After deliberation, I settled on “Grace” for 2019. I wanted to practice patience and understanding with myself, and with others, too. For 2020, my word was “Breathe,” a signal to slow down, to trust, to relax when stressed, but also to push forward on the exhales and get things done.
Coming into 2021, my intention was easy to set after a year that has felt so scattered. I need this word, this mantra, in my life. My energy often feels wasted because I either take on too many tasks (and therefore fail to complete them well) or allow myself to get sidetracked. While I haven’t dropped any large balls, I do believe that I could do much better in managing my priorities. For 2021, my intention is FOCUS.
Before I move on to how I’ll use my word of the year, I’d like to chat about how one might choose their word— and use it throughout the year.
Let’s imagine that someone’s goal was getting their nutrition under control. I’d suggest that they consider the word ‘nourish’ rather than ‘diet’. The focus while planning your weekly meals and snacks then becomes ‘what foods will nourish my body?’ And occasionally that means the chocolate cake at the birthday party because it is nourishment for the soul.
The ‘word of the year’ approach gives you a theme in which you can build your smaller, more specific and measurable goals. Importantly, it gives those goals a graceful and positive spin.
For me, focus means…
Make lists of monthly, weekly, and daily tasks. Choose which I need to do personally, and which can be delegated.
Say no more often. We are often asked to volunteer our time or talents. Some opportunities arise when we have the time to spare, but others come up when we know we are already at capacity. Release the guilt.
Put the phone away when with others or engaged in cooking, cleaning or reading. Focus on the conversation or the task at hand.
Limit time on social media.
Review daily accomplishments and revise to-do lists at the end of every day—and remember to celebrate the tasks completed.
Throughout the coming year, I will use the word FOCUS as a gentle reminder that being in tune with myself and others will bring connection and raise productivity
Throughout the coming year, I will use the word FOCUS as a gentle reminder that being in tune with myself and others will bring connection and raise productivity.
Where our focus goes—where our attention goes—can have a profound impact on our goals. So this year I will find my focus. Minimize unnecessary distractions when I can. Direct my energy to the things I want most and keep returning to a positive mindset.
I invite you to do the same, or to choose your own touchstone word to guide your path through 2021. You are worth it .
With love,
Missi