For the last several years I’ve chosen a Word Of The Year.  What started as a suggestion from a good friend has turned into a yearly ritual that I look forward to.

In case you haven’t heard of this practice before, it’s pretty self-explanatory:  You’ll pick one word to keep in mind for the whole year.  It could be a word that's something you're striving for, a word that inspires you, or a word that just feels right.

Previous words I’ve chosen have been dedicated, rise, mindset, and focus.  I picked each one for various reasons – some obvious, others a bit more personal.  This year I’ve chosen BUILD.  

build

/bild/

verb

1.   construct (something) by putting parts or material together.

2.   make stronger or more intense.

Build is an excellent word for me this year because of all of the things I'm trying to build in my life.

Professionally, I'm building onto my Rituals For Longevity course. I've revamped the website, filmed new videos, and will be sharing it with even more people all over the world.

This new year includes me building a new business, one that I'm not quite ready to talk about but which includes a podcast, mastermind, and private coaching.

On a personal level, I really need to build more strength in my body.  Over the past year, I've lost a lot of physical strength due to some of my chronic health issues.  But, in the spirit of practicing what I preach, I'll be taking it slowly and will be rebuilding the strength that I've lost.  It'll take some time, but it's obviously worth it.

I'll also be building relationships with others.  Some of these will be new relationships; and I'll be rebuilding others that needed to be kept at arm's distance for a while.

Do you have a Word Of The Year yet?  If not, what would it be if you did?  Sometimes the word comes quickly for me.  Other times it takes me a bit more time to settle on the right word.

One note when deciding on your WOTY:  Be careful what you wish for.  For example, if you’re considering having the word patience be your word, guess what might happen?  You just might be given many many opportunities to practice being patient.  Same thing with something like warrior.  Warriors are always prepared for battle and often go into battle and come out wounded.  Not to say that either of those words shouldn’t be chosen, but just choose a word whose complete definition is something you’re ready to embody for the year.

If you need some help picking your word, take a few moments and see what comes up.  Sit quietly for a bit, connecting to your breath.  This will help you clear out some of the mental clutter, opening up your thoughts to bigger ideas.

When you’re ready, let your mind wander to word potentials.  You can even have a pen and paper nearby to jot down options.  Once you feel like you have some possibilities, do a quick search on the meanings of each of the words to make sure that they still align with your vision of 2024.  

Keep weeding out the words until you’ve decided on your Word Of The Year.  Once it’s been decided on, write down your word and have it visible for you to see often.  That might be on a Post-It near your desk, on your mirror, or on your fridge; maybe as a screen saver on your computer, or even as the background on your phone.  No need to be super crafty about it (unless that’s your jam, and then have fun!).  

To take this practice up a notch, schedule a few minutes each month (or week, or even daily if you feel like it) to sit and meditate on your word – how you feel about it, ways you’re bringing that into your life, ways it’s shown up, whatever.  You can even journal your revelations and then refer back to that journal at the end of the year to see all that your word has brought into your life.

Your Word Of The Year is deeply personal.  Enjoy the process of coming up with one – and also don’t get too caught up in the word searching that you get overwhelmed and ditch the whole idea.  

Happy New Year, and Happy New Word!