Is it Time to Update Your One Word? – September 14, 2020

Several years ago, I was taking a day off mid-week to rest and recharge. My favorite thing to do in those days was to go to a spa, so there I was, relaxing in a fluffy robe and a lounge chair, when I discovered a little book on the side table called “One Word That Will Change Your Life”.

In the book, the author invites you to simplify your life and business by focusing on just one word for the entire year. Mental clutter, the book explains, leads to procrastination, overly complicated plans and paralysis, while simplicity and focus lead to success and clarity.

If this sounds familiar, you may remember it from a blog I posted back in January (read the full article).

I Chose “Space”

In 2019, I chose the word “space” with the intention of creating more space for rest. I chose it again in 2020, thinking that I wanted to continually focus on the idea of rest… and by mid-March, the word “space” took on a new definition. Little did I know back in January that I would be able to apply “space” to the novel concept of social distancing due to COVID-19. I certainly couldn’t have predicted that I would never see my clients in person. And while I have grown accustomed to working from home half the time, I wasn’t used to being in this space — that is, my house — nearly all the time.

Now that we’re nine months into 2020 and six months into a pandemic… it’s time to acknowledge that things have changed a lot. Is it time to change your word? Is there a newer interpretation of your word, or a new intention?

Rather than waiting until January 2021 rolls around (and, let’s face it, it’s anyone’s best guess where we’ll be by then), let’s make some space to refresh or reinvent your word, if needed, right now.

Create a New Intention

As we enter the last quarter of the year, what is the new intention that you want to set for the next several months that takes into consideration where you are today?

With everything that has happened this year, it’s okay if you lost track of your word. Or, maybe you never picked one — and if so, now is a great time to do that, recognizing that we’re all trying to figure out new ways to do what we used to do.

Please remember that although it may feel like 2020 is a bust, it’s not over yet! All of us are stepping into the opportunity of doing things in a new way. Even big goals like finding a new job, buying a new house, or entering into a new relationship are completely possible. I know this, because I see it happening around me, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds.

There is hope. Ask yourself, “What did I want for 2020 that is still possible?” Acknowledge that, yes, things might look really different, but different can be incredibly interesting. Even if it’s just a glimmer of what you originally wanted for the year, hang on to it! I am rooting for you.

A Note on Children

In my January post on this topic, I touched on how powerful this can be for children. In fact, there’s even a kid-friendly version of the book called “One Word for Kids” that I highly recommend. Kids have a lot of feelings about their current situation, and this can be a really helpful exercise for them to try.

Wherever you are, stay grounded, stay connected, and remember that this won’t last forever. If you’d like assistance in managing all the emotion and confusion that may arise as this time, let’s talk.

#coaching #leadership #vulnerability #personalgrowth #lifecoaching #leadershipcoaching #executivecoaching #leadershipdevelopment #managementdevelopment.

Photo Source: FivePillarsYoga.com