Podcast Version

Below is the podcast version of this article. The podcast explains things so much better than a blog post. I invite you to listen and also hear some examples and enjoy some laughs! You can subscribe to the Podcast by opening your favorite podcast app and typing “Balanced Working Moms” into the search. Enjoy!

Being Trendy

I’m usually not into “trendy.” My style is more classic.

If something even feels trendy I don’t want to do it since it doesn’t feel authentic.

For years I ignored the trendy “Word of the Year.”

But this changed a few years ago. I had a life coach who advised me to pick a word for the coming year.

The Result

My first year doing this, I picked the word forgiveness because I’d been working on that in the coaching.

Soon I started forgiving everyone.

✔️ If someone cut me off while driving or was rude, I’d say right away, “I forgive you.”
✔️ I forgave family members.
✔️ I forgave people I’d been struggling with

By the end of the year, I was a forgiveness machine.

It became easy, like it was a part of me. By the time January rolled around again, I was ready to move on. I’d mastered my word

Free Printable

I have a printable for you with Words you can choose for your year. This printable is especially helpful for Moms – it has words on it that especially speak to Moms and what we’re trying to achieve (balance, calm, peace, ease, etc.!!)

To access the download, click here.

Why Does it Work?

I think it works so well for a few reasons.

It’s simple and easy

When something is so simple, it has the potential to become powerful.

It’s not a huge goal you have to constantly work hard to achieve.

It’s so simple, it’s almost foolproof.

The only thing you need to do is to remember your word. That’s it.

You don’t even have to take any action. The only thing you need to do is to remember your word and allow it to inspire you while it does its magic.

You integrate it

When you choose the word, as long as you remember to use it, it becomes a part of you.

You embody it. It’s something you become.

For example, I’m someone who forgives. I’m someone who creates boundaries. When life is hard, I’m someone who trusts that things will turn around.

Is it Completely Foolproof?

Of course, it’s not completely foolproof. But it helps you get to your desired goal.

Last year my word was boundaries and I became a ninja at created boundaries. But I recently shared a story on my podcast where I messed up. I agreed to watch a friend’s chicken and was MISERABLE! I had forgotten to set my boundaries. But most of the time, I do remember to set boundaries.

What’s the Catch?

1. – You can only stick with 1 word. Just 1!!!

Segal’s law is an adage that states:

“A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.”

 2. – You have to remember to use it.

Your word will only work if you remember to use it. This may sound silly, but for about 6 months last year, I forgot to think about my word. It had no impact when I forgot to it and say it to myself, as needed.

How to Choose Your Word

Thinking back on 2020, if you had to choose any word for the year, what would it be?

This was one of the hardest years for some people. Some lost jobs. Others lost friends or family members. Some people had anxiety. 

If you could think of the BEST word for this year, what would it be? Now you have a whole year of hindsight. 

Okay. This will give you chills. 

My word for 2020 was TRUST.

WHAT? How did I pick the PERFECT word for 2020?

Use Your Intuition

Let’s not overcomplicate this.

Start with a list of words.

Circle the words that speak to you.

Choose one from the ones you circles.

Let it sit with you for a bit. How does it feel? Say it a few times to yourself throughout the day.

If it doesn’t feel right, choose another.

My Example

This year the first word I chose was EASE. I tend to complicate things….. But the next day, it didn’t feel right.

I then chose another word, Systems. By the next day, this word also felt off.

So I went back through my list of words and circled more. 

I picked trust

I sat with it for a few days and it felt so right.

So TRUST was my constant companion for 2020.

So I want to encourage you —

• Throw out practical
• Pick a word without using judgment
• Don’t worry about picking the “right” word
• Let your heart guide you. Listen to what it wants.

Remembering to Use It

There are some fun ways to remember to use your word!

First, there are all kinds of beautiful items you can buy on Etsy to remind you of your word.

You could also create a graphic to remind yourself.

You could also simply write it down. If you have a planner, you may want to write it in your weekly spread so you remember it.

Enjoy Your Word

I hope you enjoy picking out and using your word for the year. It’s so simple and in my experience, it really works. Go ahead, be trendy. I give you permission 🙂