Dear Brave Readers,

I’ve been thinking a lot about “what’s next.” It’s what so many of us do this time of year. You look back at the year gone by. You look forward and you think about all the possibilities that are waiting for you in the coming year. I always like to think this time of year is a great time to reset and consider what you would like to feel in the New Year.

And that means not just figuring out what you want to do, but imagining who you want to be and how you want that to feel. Because when things FEEL right it makes what you do meaningful and satisfying.

And one of the best ways to do that is to choose a WORD for the New Year, and that’s what I want to talk to you about.

For me choosing a word for the year is like choosing a mantra or an affirmation. It’s something that you can count on all year long to energize you to keep moving forward with confidence, clarity and focus. Your word can become a reminder about who you want to be and what you want to do.

And that means your year isn’t just about ticking off a list of accomplishments, it’s a year focused on what really matters to you and what you want to do.

And your word is energizes you!

So, here’s what I do…

1. Brainstorm. I create a list of all the things that I might want to do in the coming year. And that’s a lot of fun because sometimes I discover surprises! Like I forgot I wanted to take cooking classes! This list is practical. You can use it to see if what you think you’d like to do, is a match for the word you’re about to uncover!

2. Next! Time to start considering what word would be right for you. Time for brainstorm again and make a list of words that appeal to you. So for me, I might want the year to be about ease. Or want it to be a busier year. Or maybe I want to get out more or I want to reassess more. Or maybe it’s a year of joy I want. Or fun. Or a year where things come to fruition which was actually one of my words one year. And fun was another word I liked. Of course now one of my very favorite words is BRAVERY because I always like being reminded that I want to be who I want to be no matter what!

3. Now? It’s time to get in touch with what matter most to you. And for me, I close my eyes and I go within where I listen to my inner wisdom and I check in to see if the words I just brainstormed really resonate with who I want to be. If not, I may choose new words. Or more accurate words.

4. Now narrow it down. My suggestion is to choose three words. I like to take time to carefully consider them. I play with them. I enjoy them. And then it’s time to decide which is the best word for me!

5. This is the moment to make a final choice and then commit to that word. My suggestion? Love that word. Embrace that word. I feel energized knowing it’s my word that I can count on for the coming year.

6. Next? Time for fun. You can make sticky notes. You can say it to yourself when you wake up in the morning. You can say it to yourself when you brush your teeth. You can make a t-shirt with your word on it. Put it on your calendar. Tell your friends.

Now you’ve got a great support for the year. Your word is empowering. And since it’s energized from within, it reminds you to move forward and to do what authentic you really want to do. And that’s a match for BRAVERY.

I love choosing a word because it matches my BRAVERY BECOMES YOU mindset.

That word will become a powerful aid that will keep my dreams and yours on track, safe from the distractions that are guaranteed to come your way.

I hope you decide to choose a word. I know you’ll love it and appreciate it for the power it gives you to be who you want to do be.

And I’m here for you. If you’d like to talk about your word. Or “what’s next” or any challenges you’re facing, I offer a FREE Coaching Call.

So please be in touch. Let me know what word you choose.

Remember when you use your word, you’re activating your own unique powers of bravery. And nothing feels better than being you being brave.

Ready for brave success coaching, I’m offering a *SPECIAL* Brave Breakthrough Coaching Package, featured in this month’s It’s Your Turn! Newsletter.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.

Let’s be in touch.

Your Friend & Travel Guide,

Sandy