As a visual artist, I know that writing uses a large amount of creative juice. It can be difficult to paint after I spend a ton of time on my computer. Each year, I read about the power of finding your “Word of the Year”. I have been resistant to joining the “Word of the Year” Club.
Yet, I see value in the process of finding your WORD. The first step to manifesting anything you desire is awareness and intention. Finding your Word of the Year will set you in the right direction by bringing more awareness to your intentions. I have used this process in relationship to my creative business. Here are a few easy steps to help guide you in choosing your 2020 WORD OF THE YEAR.
Step 1: Reflect on your past year and identify those things that moved your business forward.
- What could I use more of in my life and/or creative business?
- What could I use less of in my life and/or creative business?
- What characteristics would I like to have to meet my creative business goals?
- What are my biggest wins in 2019?
- What is the one thing that I could fix that would help me meet my business goals in 2020?
Step 2: Visualize what you want your creative business to look like.
- Visualize what your perfect creative business would feel like. The emphasis here is “Feel”. Think about how you want to feel, how you want to feel at work or throughout the day, and how you want to feel right when you meet your business goals. We are trying to find some intangible words like successful, balanced, fun, empowered.
Step 3: Create a Starting List of Words
- For me the value in this exercise is the process. After taking the time to evaluate my successes and challenges, I want to spend only 5-10 minutes creating a list. Ten to Twenty words is enough.
- Write down the first words that come your mind. No need to edit this list.
- Below is a list of some words that may spark your pen! Cast your net wide.
Step 4: Review & Refine
- Circle 3 words.
- Are there words that have a theme that you can summarize into one general word?
- Is there a word that jumps out at you? A word may just feel right.
- The word may even make you feel uncomfortable. Sometimes the words that scare us most can mean we’re on the right track because change isn’t always easy.
- Think about the words, try them on and see what feels right. No need to over analyze this process, trust your gut instead. Let the 3 words pick you.
Step 5: Ask Yourself this VERY important question
- Reflecting on the change you want in your creative business in 2020, will this word get you to your desired goals?
What’s your Word of the Year?
I would love to hear what word you chose. No need to explain. It is only important that you know why you chose that word. For me, it is BALANCE. Finding the right balance between creating and marketing.