Do you have your coffee? It’s time to talk about what your word is for 2024! I have never believed in New Year’s resolutions. I don’t know if it’s because of my ADHD or it’s just a character flaw, but I cannot stick to anything long enough for it to be considered a successful resolution. I feel like it’s an empty promise that people try to make to themselves, essentially setting themselves up for failure. I’ve also never understood why we only do this on New Years. Why don’t we set these goals throughout the year (because that’s what they really are)? Spread them out rather than making this huge deal and putting all this pressure on ourselves right out of the gate.
A couple of years ago, I started seeing people post on social media about their “word.” One word that was going to define their upcoming year. They were using this instead of a New Year’s resolution. At first, I thought that was kind of silly too. But last year, I decided to make my word “growth.” I still didn’t really put a lot of conscious effort into it, but I feel like I did accomplish a lot of growth in 2023 as I talked about in yesterday’s post. The concept of having a word that you want to define your year seems much less overwhelming to me. It’s a way to train your brain to subconsciously manifest a better life I feel.
Resilience
This year, my word is “resilience.” The American Psychological Association defines resilience as:
the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.
Resilience (apa.org)
Life is never easy. There are always obstacles and road blocks it seems. But how you handle those difficulties is what matters. You can succumbed to them or you can rise above. Put on your big girl panties and deal with them. I chose to rise above. I may sometimes need to be dramatic about them first, but I will make it through and come out stronger on the other side.
What is YOUR word?
So have you decided what your word will be for 2024? Or will you still stick to the traditional New Years resolution? How are you going to check in with yourself throughout the year to see if you’re moving forward with your word? Will you have reminders up to help keep you focused? Some people like to place sticky notes in the places they spend a lot of time. I wrote my word on my makeup mirror with a chalk marker so I see it every day. I’d love to hear your word for the year in the comments below! Whatever method you decide to choose, I hope this year brings you peace, happiness, and personal growth.