My word for 2023

Do you set a word for the year?

In previous years I have made half-hearted attempts to think of a word that would direct my actions and keep me focused throughout the year. They were forgotten by February or March. I can’t remember?most of my previous attempts.

One year was “courage”. That’s gives you an idea of what I thought?that?year was going to be like.

This year is going to be different.?After some reflection on what went well in 2022, and where I want to be at the end of 2023, I have set my word and it’s a good one (even if I say so myself).

I have entered 2023 with positivity, backed up with a whole lot of planning. Much more than ever before. Just cruising along and hoping for the best doesn’t seem to work that well does it?

But positivity is not my word for this year. I just think it’s going to be a great year.?

My word for 2023 is?provocative. If your mind went somewhere it shouldn’t, pull it back people. Pull it back.

By provocative I mean:

• Intentionally challenging things that are not working
• Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible
• Not settling for the status quo
• Trying out things to find clever new solutions
• Being posibility and action focused

What doesn’t it mean?

• Challenging things just of the sake of it (and not be willing to find solutions)
• Bitching

The beauty of running a business is, for the most part, I can decide what to do and when I want to do it. This is so different from working for a large business which requires MUCH consultation, potentially layers of approvals and a LONG lead time before anything can be achieved. I have proposed ideas and the business case for projects that took 9 months to approve. By the time it was approved I had given up on it actually happening. That can be a bit soul destroying to be honest.

If I want to do something I can effectively make it happen RIGHT THERE AND THEN. It’s so freeing (but also currently pays less so….swings and roundabouts)

I love the concept of synchronicity. You know when you start thinking about something or doing something you notice other things that link with that? A better definition from?here?is the “occurrence of meaningful coincidences that seem to have no cause” That’s what happened when writing this newsletter. I knew I wanted to write about provocative being my word for 2023, but I wanted to define what this meant to me.

So while contemplating this I headed over to the Apple website to ogle the new iphone models (focus Lisa, focus). The main page had this quote from Martin Luther King to acknowledge 16th?January as Martin Luther Day in the US.

“This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action”?Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

That's what I'm feeling. It’s like it was meant for me to see! An incredible man with incredibly kind words. Maybe being unfocused has its advantages. Thanks Apple. The quote really resonated with my feelings of positivity for 2023, as well as my word for the year, provocative.

Do you have a word for 2023? Would love to hear it!???

Lisa xx

P.S. If you want a process to work through your focus for 2023,?grab my?Annual STOP, Review and Dream workbook. It's only $12