Set Goals: How to Choose Your Word of the Year

It’s hard to believe another year has gone by! As the new year approaches (or has already arrived depending on when you stumble upon this article), it’s important to choose your word of the year! If you haven’t already chosen a word of the year or set your new year’s goals, now is the time to do it!

Goals don’t have to be overly grand and your word of the year just needs to provide you with inspiration for the direction you desire this next year to go!

Choosing a word of the year doesn’t have to be hard. If you haven’t done it before, take a look below at why and how to choose your word of the year! Then you can dive into all the different options out there for you. I’ve listed quite a few but truly, there are countless words for you to choose from!

Why choose a word of the year?

Choosing a word of the year allows you to look back on your hopes and dreams for the year. You have the chance to set the stage for the year to come and focus on what you need most in your life right now.

Your word of the year can help you set goals that share a common theme. Ideally, your word of the year should be something that inspires you to reach your goals, chase your dreams, and drives you to live a fuller life. If that’s not a reason to set a word of the year, I don’t know what is!

How do I choose my word of the year?

Reflect on the previous year. How did you feel? What did it feel like you were missing? What could you use more of? Is there something you loved and cherished that you want to continue? How do you want to feel?

Create a list. After reflecting, write down a list of words that fit into your reflective questions.

Narrow down your favorites. Highlight or circle the ones that seem to resonate with you the most. Try to choose a top 3!

Choose the word that you can commit to. If you can’t commit to focusing on your word, then you won’t live up to your goals for the new year. You won’t make changes or put the effort forward. So be sure to dig deep and find something you can commit to!

2021 Word of the Year Ideas

My 2021 Word of the Year is Intentional.

2020 taught me a lot about flexibility and slowing down. I was eventually able to find peace amongst the anxiety of the unknown and cherished most of our new ways. While I appreciated the togetherness, I did miss the feeling of normalcy, traveling the world, and experiencing all that life has to offer.

This year I want to continue with a slower lifestyle and say no when I need to. I want to be intentional in my friendships and where and how I spend my time. Time is precious. That is one thing I learned last year and I want to spend my time with the people precious to me and doing things that have meaning to me.

Create a Vision Board

Now that you have your 2021 word of the year, I highly recommend creating a 2021 vision board. You don’t have to sit down with magazines, scissors, glitter, and glue! It’s 2021 after all. Instead, create one online! My friend and fellow blogger, Mattie at Growing the Givens, has created the perfect goal-setting vision board that focuses on a word of the year, some top goals, and photo inspiration for the year to come.

Here’s what I came up with using her template!

My goals for 2021 include:

• Spending quality time with friends and family
• Finding a rhythm as a family of 5
• Focusing on self care
• Cherishing and nourishing my postpartum body
• Running a half marathon
• Continuing to grow my blog and brand
• Traveling the world again, seeing new places

Now go out and start 2021 with a bang!

Choose your word, set your goals, and reach for the stars! Just remember that 2021 can only be better if you choose to make it better. You have to put in the effort to make this year a good one!

Don’t forget to pin this to your New Year’s or Goal Setting boards on Pinterest!

If fitness is part of your new year’s focus and journey, don’t forget to check out all of my fitness tips and workouts!

If travel is what you’re wanting to do, find inspiration in our former travel adventures!

What is your new word of the year? Let me know in the comments!

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