Three Words: A Guiding Practice for the New Year
Every year, I reflect, reset, and refocus with an exercise that’s become a cornerstone of my personal and professional growth: choosing three words to guide my actions and decisions for the year ahead.
Inspired by my friend Chris Brogan, this practice replaces fleeting New Year's resolutions with actionable, meaningful principles that shape my life and work throughout the year.
What Are the Three Words?
The Three Words exercise is about selecting three guiding principles that serve as anchors for the year. These words are not resolutions but intentional choices that:
- Guide you through challenges and opportunities.
- Create habits to enrich your life and eliminate distractions.
- Shape decisions by aligning your actions with your values and goals.
Why Choose Three Words?
Over the years, I’ve found this approach more impactful than traditional resolutions.
Here’s why:
Practical Guidance for the Year
These words become a compass, providing clarity and focus amidst life’s uncertainties.
Simplicity and Longevity
Unlike long lists of resolutions, three words are easy to remember and integrate into daily life.
Personal Connection
Each word is deeply tied to my values and aspirations, serving as a reminder of who I want to be and what I want to achieve.
How I Apply My Three Words
The key to making this practice effective is weaving these words into the fabric of my life:
- Daily Reflection: I review and recite the words regularly, thinking about how they apply to my current challenges and goals.
- Action-Oriented Choices: The words are not passive; they shape decisions and create habits that drive progress.
- Visual Cues: I pair each word with images and quotes to reinforce their meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Think about your goals, values, and areas of growth. Choose words that resonate deeply with where you are and where you want to go.
Revisit your words regularly. Daily reminders, visual cues, or journaling can help you stay aligned.
Traditional resolutions often fail because they’re too rigid or ambitious. Three words provide flexibility while maintaining focus.
Start Your Journey
Are you ready to embrace this simple yet transformative practice? Share your three words for the year in the comments of the latest three words exercises, or connect with me directly.
Let’s inspire each other to make the most of the year ahead.
A Look Back: My Three Words Over the Years
- 2024: Forge, Contemplate, Cherish
- 2023: Wander, Compartmentalize, Expedite
- 2022: Higher, Endorse, Accommodate
- 2021: Rise, Batch, Revitalize
- 2020: Simplify, Challenge, Heighten
- 2019: Capture, Regenerate, Accountability
- 2018: Map, Explore, Transfer
- 2017: Flow, Pause, Repeat
- 2016: Depth, Reset, Visualize
- 2015: Selfish, Sharpen, Publish
- 2014: Observe, Release, Subtract
- 2013: Brief, Fluid, Control
- 2012: Sharing, Purpose, Organic
- 2011: Renew, Focus, Complete
