“Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them.” ~ Jack Canfield

What was your word for 2015? Oh, you didn’t have one and now you’re wondering what I’m talking about, what word? Why would I have a word?

I’m referring to a focus word for the year. At the beginning of each year you pick a word (of course you can do this for shorter time frames, projects, etc. too) that serves as your focus. The process of picking your word gives you clarity by allowing you to direct your goals and plans into a single focus or vision for your future.

Think about what it is that you want to accomplish next year? Is it to increase your wealth, or toinspire others, focus on fitness or wellness, or to be authentic? There are a million words you can choose and there is no right or wrong answer.

Focus is required to make change possible. Have you have bought gym equipment with the intention of getting fit or losing weight only to find it acting as the biggest clothes hanger or dust collector in your house? If you had a fitness goal you were trying to achieve, but your overall focus was on acquiring wealth, working out may not have been a priority even though it was a goal. Gym equipment will help you only if you’re focused on the goal it is useful for. What you really need is the clarity and sustained focus on your goal, which is what having a predominate word for the year helps you with.

When it comes to choosing your word, it should be something that inspires you.  . . Something you desire more of. . . . Choose the word that resonates with you.

Now as you work toward planning your goals make sure they are in alignment with your word for the year. If they’re not, ask yourself if they are really goals that you want to focus on. If you’re finding most of your goals are not in alignment, take some time to reflect on the word you chose and ask if it accurately reflects your focus for the year.

Taking the time to plan and focus your energy will propel you toward the life you desire!