WOW! 2017 is here! Our company spends all year talking about New Beginnings. But never is it more relevant than at the New Year! There is something I love to do every New Year’s Day. I think of a FOCUS WORD that will stand as my word for the year. It is a simple, single word that guides actions and focuses resources. Many businesses use focus words in strategic planning. Some of my clients pick a word and use it as a theme for the entire year of messaging.
For my personal example: two years ago my word was BRIDGES. I wanted to cross all the way over on some projects I had just gone halfway with. So – each month I identified completion actions I needed to bridge important things all the way to done. One year my word was PEN because I wanted to find a way to make more money through writing and spend more time writing for my clients and less time physically present with them. One year my word was NOW because I wanted to enjoy the moments more and be more engaged in the NOW with not only my clients but with my family. Last year my word was GIVE. I wanted to find a way to give more than I received with each of the key relationships in my life. The results were phenomenal and I became a living example of the Go Giver truly working! Words through my years have been: GUTS, BELIEVE, LISTEN, DRIVE, LEARN, THANK.
So I have been working on identifying my word. I have decided on the word MOVE. In all that I do in 2017 I want to MOVE THE NEEDLE. I want to make a difference. I don’t want to just add to things, I want to IMPACT or MOVE things to a better place. I want to be a true thought leader and help others bring ideas to fruition. So my action planning will be about impact actions, following through, ownership of results. For a consultant – that is a big goal. Most consultants just pop in and out of lives. So I better get up and get going if I am going to MOVE 2017 along!
I challenge you – – find a word that will guide you throughout the new year. Share your word! Have fun!
Thank you for this challenge Terri. Moving the dial in 2017 is quite fitting considering the many challenges and exciting opportunities facing Phoenix this year. I will join you with making “Move” a prominent word to help guide my 2017.
Thank you Terri, “TIME” is my focus word for 2017. Time has managed to grow/change me personally and professionally. It changes us all. It is an endangered resource that if not protected, I will lose. I want to spend it this year adding more value to peoples lives.
Terri if there is one thing I have learned form you it’s that it’s not about the minutes, it’s about the moments.
Terri, I love this idea and with so many things I want to accomplish this year, thought long and hard to come up with one word – mutuality. In Texas, Phoenix and I are in a unique situation to create opportunities and there is no greater opportunity than to bring people together. My focus is to strive every day to find mutuality in my connections and to find that sweet spot of connectivity that brings people together for the greater good. We will truly impact lives when we focus on lifting people up to be the best they can be and to embrace life where they are.
To my surprise, this task became very challenging for me. In looking back at 2016, several words came to mind that would be really great to focus on in the New Year 2017!
Some of the words that came to mind,
“persevere” – continue steadfastly, in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement – we all have them, we need to “push” through them,
or maybe
“prioritize” – arranging or putting things into order – sometimes we find ourselves busy doing things and going places without putting anything in order,
and a few others.
But, the word for 2017 that encompasses it all for me is “serve”.
I want to serve more diligently, serving others more and especially serving more in different areas of my life.
I just want to do more for others!!!
mmmm all great words…. mine is going to be…. drum roll please:
VALUE
As I have gotten older the word “value” has really hit home. In my heart I value my life and the time I am here to make a difference…with that said I in turn to promise to VALUE the things, people, ideas, moments, opportunities etc which will allow me to continue to grow as well as those I influence and ultimately our company!
SO VALUE it is.
WOW! I love the thought that is going into these words. Powerful Focus Words for 2017. You MUST have your own. We will be able to do some amazing things with these words…just imagine.
MOVE. TIME. MUTUALITY. SERVE. VALUE. Just these five words.
We MOVE the needle in a positive direction for the people we SERVE. It is beneficial to both parties (MUTUALITY). And we VALUE the time we have with each other and our clients…adding VALUE to all we touch. Keep adding your words. We want everyone to put great thought into this and add to the list.
KEEP POSTING YOUR FOCUS WORDS FOR 2017! WE NEED MORE!!!
My 2017 word is optimistic…for a hopeful and positive future! ♥
After a lot of thinking..my word for 2017 is “bold”. As I grow personally and professionally, I want be brave, take risks, and learn from each and every adventure I encounter. By doing so I hope to make bold impacts on my life as well as those around me.
Thank you for this challenge Terri. I love words – how on earth do I choose just one for an entire year? I believe it needs to be one that will continue pushing me in the positive direction that I’ve been moving… After much thought, my word for 2017 is GROWTH.
Some definitions I found were “the process of increasing in amount, value or importance” or “something that has grown or is growing”. These are the two that stuck out for me. Why did they stick out? Growth is just that: a process! A process is not always pleasant or fun, but we know there is a positive end in sight. Change and growth are similar and without a firm foundation, we cannot successfully manage either effectively.
Also, if growth is “something that has grown or is growing” then it is also a word to define the past tense. This definition reminds me that I need to reflect on my past experiences, learn from them & continue to soar higher!
GROWTH. I cannot wait to see what 2017 has in store. I thank God for a career in an environment that cultivates growth & change.
Ok, I have thought long and hard to come up with a word. So my word is “Positive” I want to stay positive in all situations. Not to let others negativity effect me. To express a positive attitude to others that I may brighten their day. Thank you Terri for the challenge! I love it. I will post my word on my desk to remind myself!
My word is VISION. Know the goal, attack, and conquer it!
“Where there is no vision, the people perish”
My Word is TRUST!
I want to trust God more with my life and what His plans are for me this year. I tend to want to be in control when it comes to what I hope to become. But God is in control and has the perfect plan for my life and I want to trust Him with that Plan!
Thanks for this Challenge Terri! It really makes us think and that is always a good thing!
After much thought and reflection, I choose………ENRICH.
I wish to “add greater quality and significance” to each moment by being present, undistracted and engaged. I choose to enrich myself through education and interaction focusing on the here and now, and truly giving of myself while also being open to receiving. I am excited what 2017 has to offer both professionally and personally. Thank you Terri, for all the ways you have impacted and enriched my life 🙂