B042: How to Set Your One Word Intention

Setting a one word intention for the year ahead is a little ritual I put into place a few years back. It’s powerful, yet simple.

You see, I’m a natural born entrepreneur, an ideas person.

If given the chance, I would launch a new business every week, bringing to life another million dollar idea with every chance I get.

I don’t know if it’s the same for you, but ideas whisper into my ear everywhere… in the shower, on the train, in my sleep.

While this is exciting, I realized I needed a way to keep on the path set out in front of me, instead of getting pulled in 80 different directions.

And here’s how I did that; I began setting a one word intention for my year ahead, both personally and professionally.

That one word becomes my compass, my north star, my beacon when I want to do ALL THE THINGS… but need to remember to slow down and focus on (actually) doing the right things.

Before I start setting goals, before mapping out my cash flow forecast, before creating my programming calendar, I set my one word intention.

In years past, my word has been… Reach, Amplify, Soar. This word set the theme for the year ahead, giving me breathing room to create opportunities in work and life.

It brings me a sense of simplicity.

My goals are determined by my one word intention. And as my business mentor Danielle LaPorte has taught me, my ‘core desired feelings’ are always aligned with my one word intention. They work in perfect harmony, so how I want to feel matches where I want to focus. This helps me decide what I’m going to do (daily) to bring this to reality.

Here are some ideas if you’re inspired to #DoTheThing

3 tips to set a one word intention

1. Listen

• Set a 7-minute timer and jot down the words that are whispering in to your ear right now. Listen without judgement to what your intuition is bringing up for you.
• Don’t edit, just write it all down. Even if the word seems like it’s popped on your paper from left field.
• Give yourself permission to explore and dream. This is your chance to play.

2. Dive deeper

Once the timer goes off, review your list and see which words you have a strong connection with.

Take a moment to become a linguist. Dive into a thesaurus and explore similar words to what you’ve written down.

For example, you might have written ‘joy’ on the first pass… but instead, you feel a much stronger pull to the word ‘playful’ or ‘contentment’ when you drill down to what it is you truly want to manifest in your life.

3. Tell the world

Once you’ve got your one word set, tell somebody. Anybody. The second you speak life into your word and own it, something magical happens.

I know that sounds ‘woo’ but hear me out. When you tell someone what your focus is, it helps to set you on the path of journey ahead. Now there’s at least one person who knows your intentions and can help you stay accountable.

If you manage a team, I highly recommend the process of deciding the one word intention for the company, as a group project. Some of the team may have insight that could be enlightening to you, as the leader. Also, if you decide together, you can ensure you’re getting buy-in from all parties, and a more motivated workforce.

And just one final whisper, just from me to you, dear friend… come in closer.

Take some time during the holiday break to set your compass, before you’re pulled back on the golden hamster wheel. Before you’re bogged down by a billion unread emails and notifications. Before you set New Year’s resolutions that you know you’re going to break in 10 days.

If you’re feeling a bit run down, here’s the perfect opportunity to choose a word that helps you stabilize, rather than run faster.

Remember, choosing a nourishing word like ‘simplify’ is just as powerful as choosing an action word like ‘drive.’

Listen to your intuition… she is telling you what you need right now, but only if you choose to acknowledge her and then do something about it.

And remember I’m here to support you every step of the way.

You can do this, I believe in you.

It’s time to SIMPLIFY.

If this thought of the day inspired you…

Snap a photo of you doing the thing and send it to me via Instagram, privately or publicly… just tag @thesimplifiers – I’ll be your virtual accountability buddy in your quest to simplify your life.

Start 2019 strong!

Meet me in Austin, Texas! Tickets are on sale for my 1-day in-person retreat – helping you set goals for 2019 like a hero!

Join me for your own strategic business retreat, mapping out your 2019 game plan and vision for the year ahead.

Friday, January 4th from 10am-4pm.

In this interactive, all-day workshop, we will:

• review how 2018 went for you
• vision cast what you truly want to achieve in 2019
• whip out the art supplies and create a vision board
• help you create your road map for the journey ahead

Connect with other like-minded business owners, enjoy a tasty lunch and take part in this business retreat together, to help kick your year off on the right foot.

Early bird tickets went FAST but there are still a handful of regular price tickets on sale now and reserve your seat today!

This event is purposefully kept small so there will be lots of 1-1 time together all day long, so don’t delay on getting your tickets.

I’m looking forward to meeting you and giving you a great big hug in person.

Give yourself this gift… It’s time to jump off the hamster wheel and SIMPLIFY!

Watch the video version of this episode