Resolutions are out, Word of The Year is in!

As we enter the final weeks of 2023, your thoughts may be turning to your New Year’s Resolutions. But before you do, let me share a few facts with you. Researchers at the University of Scranton discovered that most people abandon their resolutions by mid-January. Only 19% of people were able to keep them. It’s a pretty disheartening statistic.

So if resolutions don’t work, what can you do to make big positive changes in 2024? Well, let me tell you what worked for me.

At the end of 2018, I got divorced and wanted to make BIG sweeping changes in my life. A friend recommended I use "Word of the Year" to nail my goals, and much to my surprise, it worked! My first word of the year was in 2019, and I based all my strategic and tactical goals, intentions, and actions around that word. Below are the words I've used in the past - you’d be surprised by what resulted! 

• 2019 - Travel
• 2020 - Boss
• 2021 - Love
• 2022 - Family
• 2023 - Leadership

My 2024 word of the year is: Money

Why “Money”?

Before I got married, I was making great money.  When I became a first-time mom, I made the decision to leave the full-time corporate workplace where I was finally making over six figures. I was working in tech innovation, leading global P&L teams and bringing home a substantial paycheck. After being denied flexibility by my all-male executive team (sans HR), I chose to leave the corporate full-time workplace to stay home with my new baby and pivot into a more flexible industry: entrepreneurship. Honestly, it felt pretty amazing. The year was 2007.  

I was a repeat founder and mother who did not have caregiving support during the first 10 years of my children’s lives. I did everything at home and made very little money as a founder while my husband was launching his own private equity startup.  After 11 years of little to no income, I've dedicated the past six years to transitioning into venture capital, board directorship, modeling, and public speaking. I am focused on money and generating multiple revenue streams in 2024.  I planted some big seeds in 2023. I invested my own money in coursework, fellowships, conferences, modeling, and PR. I volunteered for startups and accelerators, and I was scouted for VC firms and more. 2024 is when I reap the financial rewards based on my investments in myself. 

How to Find Your Word Of The Year

1. Imagine: Your word should reflect the life you imagine when you close your eyes. If you’re not sure where to start, there are lots of resources on the internet that can provide you with some clarity. I really like these questions from The Washington Post.

• Write down the things that made you happy this past year. What felt good? What do you get excited about? What would it take to feel this way all the time?
• Next, think about what parts of your life could be better. What causes you stress? Are you thriving at work or feeling bored? Do you wake up excited about your day? What’s happening in your relationships?
• Finally, check in with your body. How is your physical health? How is your mental well-being? How do you feel when you look in the mirror

Post your word of the year and any sub-goals related to that word on your bathroom mirror or your refrigerator.  When we see our Word every day, we start subconsciously making decisions around that word. That word becomes a part of our everyday life.  Subconsciously, we begin to make our daily decisions around that word. 

For further times on accomplishing your goals, check out my recent interview on NBC News Dallas/Fort Worth.

Your Word of the Year will be your guide for the next 365 days, so take the time to think about what inspires you and encompasses the overarching goals that you want to accomplish next year.  If it’s exercising more or improving your health habits, maybe your word of the year is, “Health.” Commit to a salad a day, 6 liters of water a day, signing up for HIIT classes, going to the doctor, getting your blood drawn, or stopping smoking or drinking. If it’s finding a new job or launching a startup, maybe it’s “Career” and start researching, volunteering, taking a course?  Word of the Year works!  Try it.  You will be shocked at what happens next year.  I can't wait to see what you accomplish!

Wishing you and yours the best of holidays and a happy new year! What will your word for 2024 be? Let me know in the comments! 

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