Three Words for 2013
If you’ve been reading my
blog for a while, you know that I like to use Chris Brogan’s “My 3 Words” concept for New Year’s planning. He discourages resolutions, reminding us that we often break our promises to ourselves. Instead, he encourages us to identify three words that will serve as themes for the next twelve months.
Last year, I chose “Trust,” “Expand,” and “Uni-Tasking.” As I look back on the year, I see that I definitely “trusted” my instincts and “expanded” my business. I was less successful at “uni-tasking,” and need to improve my discipline of doing one thing at a time rather than juggling a dozen balls at once.
While I certainly wouldn’t give myself a perfect score for 2012, I did improve my facility with these touchstones and found them to be more helpful than the New Year’s resolutions I’ve made in the past (e.g., “I’m going to eat less sugar” or “I’m going to be more proactive with social media”).
So, this year, my three words are:
- Uni-task (stop multi-tasking and stay focused on whatever I’m doing in the moment)
- Carpe diem (take risks now!)
- Grounded (remember that I don’t have to prove anything to anyone)
I encourage you to choose three words that will add focus and meaning to your 2013. Share them in the comments section below.
[...] was proud of myself and my list. That is until I read David Ackert’s blog post, Three Words for 2013. David doesn’t make resolutions. Instead, David uses Chris Brogan’s “My 3 Words” [...]
[...] was proud of myself and my list. That is until I read David Ackert’s blog post, Three Words for 2013. David doesn’t make resolutions. Instead, David uses Chris Brogan’s “My 3 Words” [...]
Vibrant
Focussed
Simplicity
Thanks David. I started defining my 3 word “touchstones” ten years ago, as part of Master Coach training. All of my professional and personal choices are based on my touchstones – including not grocery shopping on Saturday mornings because it just ain’t simple! Happy New Year, Maggie
Ditto what Kelli said:
1. Dare. It’s time to step out of the comfort zone and push beyond my self-imposed limits.
2. Communicate. Spread the message.
3. Earn. Respect, credibility, followers, money.
But I won’t accomplish any of that if I don’t pause, learn to breathe, and start uni-tasking.
All the above underlies the planning I’ve done for 2013.
Thanks again David for all you share with us! Best wishes for getting what you desire in 2013!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
I love this concept. I really thought it would be difficult to come up with the 3 ‘right’ words for me, but to tell you the truth, once I asked the question, they found me quite easily.
My 3 words are:
1. Dare. It’s time to step out of the comfort zone and push beyond my self-imposed limits.
2. Communicate. Spread the message.
3. Earn. Respect, credibility, followers, money.
That’s my experience too, Kelli. The first few seconds of brainstorming are overwhelming, then the three words flow right in. Our instincts guide us well when we ask for their input.
It’s late on the first, but better late than never. My words:
1. Confidence
2. Focus
3. Footwork
Footwork. Love it.
Great post as always, David.
Rather than go with resolutions I call them commitments – that word resonates with me.
So my three words are:
1. Authenticity
2. Impact
3. Momentum
Thanks for sharing your 3 and Chris Brogan’s suggestion.
Happy and successful New Year to all.
David, Thanks for all the tips and inspirations for 2012.My three words (now taped to my computer) for 2013
are “proactive”, “one on one” and “webinar”. My word for YOU to add for 2013 is “BOOK DEAL”.What would we do without you! Best to you my friend for a successful New Year!
Thank you, Cookie. Good idea – taping your three words to your computer. It’s important to keep them top of mind.
Great exercise, David. My three words are:
1. Pause (to take a breath in between hurried beats, to reflect, to notice, to appreciate more).
2. Learn (new technologies – always a challenge for a Luddite – as well as new techniques, and substance outside of my field that will stimulate the c-cortex).
3. Renew (physically, with exercise; emotionally and spiritually; and professionally, by reconnecting with clients and referral sources).
I wish I had 6 words, I’d add your three to mine.
Thanks for commenting, John.
Thanks, David: I’m going with inspire, deepen relationships, go for my passion(s). Have a Happy New Year. And thanks for your wise words a ll year long!
Good ideas, Jan. May they lead to an inspiring, deep, passionate New Year!
David,
Thanks for the inspiration and your timing is perfect. I plan to set aside a half day between now and 12-31 for strategic planning for ’13: what happened in my personal life and business life (in that order) in ’12, where do I want to be in my personal life and business life in ’13, and how will I get there. And then look a few more years out. Your suggestion will help me focus. Have a very healthy and happy New Year ahead, Paul
Thanks Paul. Same to you and yours.
Excellent Blog….great words of wisdom David. Always enjoy what you have to say.
Thank you, Richard. Have a great New Year.
Excellent choices, my friend. It is a pleasure watching you evolve from year to year. Truly inspiring. Have a wonderful and safe new year celebration.
Thank you for the kind words and for your ongoing support, Roger. Happy 2013 to you and yours!
My 3 are always the same: “make more money”
I hope you do!
I like this exercise, David. My three words for teh new year are “experiment” (be open to new ideas), “communicate” (make more of an effort to stay in touch with old friends), and “travel” (time to shorten the bucket list). Happy new year and thanks for your helpful tips.
Those should set up a rich set experiences for you in the New Year, Lon. Thanks for commenting.