Three Words To Define Your Year
I’m back with gusto to writing Possums! All because of three words which have inspired me to make 2019 awesome. Read on for the magic…..
2018 was good, but tough. Frantically busy, ‘successful’ first half. Reflection, soul-searching, recalibration in the second. In looking for inspiration to channel energies into 2019, I stumbled upon this razor-sharp idea. It will ensure I keep strong and on track as the grind unfolds. It will for you too. Start by imagining this – it’s the last day of this year….
What three words do you want your ‘community’ to use to describe you and your impact on them in 2019?
Just three words.
When your clients, colleagues, friends, family are asked: “Hey – in three words, how would you describe your experience of (insert your name) this year?” what would you want them to say?
I started by coming up with a long list. Then narrowed it down to the three words that, if these were used by my world to describe my 2019 impact on them, then I’d be thrilled to bits. It’s my higher purpose for 2019. Have a read, then have a crack at nailing your three words…and please, share with me if you want! Here are mine.
Inspiring.
Generous.
True.
Remember, I am NOT claiming to be these three attributes. I am after all weak. Selfish, self-centred, fearful, a touch paranoid, resentful on occasion, flirting with a robust ego often. It’s the human condition!
I am though setting them as my goals – how I want to impact others and be perceived once these 12 months are done.
* Inspiring – I want my community to feel I helped lift their optimism, enthusiasm, energy, hearts. That time spent with me helped lift spirits, and gave a dollop of ‘hope.’ We all need that ‘yes we can get there’ and ‘yes it can be better’ injection every now and then. Sometimes I know I will be tough, pushy, persistent, irritating, uncomfortable, distracted. But I will work hard to try to leave a legacy this year of being a positive force, helping others achieve more.
* Generous – I want to be seen as being ‘giving’ …. of my time, interest, passion, ideas, intent. I want my world to feel I was focused on them and their success and happiness, not my own. I want to go ‘the extra step’ with all the key people in my life, doing that little ‘extra’ to make them feel special, cared for, valued, loved.
* True – I want to be viewed as genuine, authentic, reliable, constant, steadfast. I want my world to have experienced someone who does what they say they will do, who keeps confidences tight, who is available, and who ’does the right thing, always.’
Now, like a recovering alcoholic who wants to be able to say on the last day of the year that he or she did not have a drink all year, I fully appreciate that achieving my ‘three word’ goal will not be easy.
I am though going to use these three words as my compass point. They are my homepage, printed out and stuck on my desk, a ‘reminder’ daily in my electronic calendar. I’ll give it a go. And I’m kicking off with this Possums post – the first of at least 12 for the year. Hopefully, providing some inspiration… and a step in building a perception of generosity of time and energy.
What about you? What are those three aspirational words you would select for your year?
Give it a go. It has helped me get started with a clear purpose for me for the year.
PS Thanks to Eliza Parry at M&C Saatchi for the idea!
Great stuff Chris, and welcome back, have missed the regular doses of inspiration, honesty and challenge.
You might also say you wish to “Serve” others through “Inspiration” with”Generosity and the “Truth” (sometimes uncomfortable/brutal).
I am thinking about: Vulnerability, Courage and Vision
Best wishes for the year ahead, and beyond.
Cheers
David
Thanks so much David. Appreciate the ideas. I love the ‘serve’ concept. ‘Courage’ too. Chris Savage
Great to have you back Chris and on top form!
Thanks Martina…. appreciated.
Very inspiring Chris. Well done you. I will try. Three words yes? Need to think! Claire
Thanks Claire. Appreciated.
Great to have you back Chris. If anyone can achieve that three word goal this year, it is you! i just wish more business people had those values, rather than just a grim pursuit of ego satisfaction and wealth.
Thank you Tony- appreciated. Hope all is good with you. Chris
Love the idea Chris and I would disagree with you, I think you already are the 3 words you’ve listed. Now it’s my turn…
Aaaaaah. Thanks Elly. That’s one of the many reasons why you are one of my favourite people!!
Loved this, Chris. I look forward to more Possums in 2019. For those wanting to explore this concept’ further I recommend you read this recent blog of Chris Brogan https://chrisbrogan.com/3words2019/ the acknowledged originator of the concept. Chris provides excellent guidance in how you could usefully approach this concept yourself.
Thanks Ross- I will read with great interest!! Chris