2023 My Word of the Year Trajectory
For many years now I have used my word of the year as a guidepost for my work and life. It appeals to me as a way to keep my big picture in view and follow through with the intentions I set for myself. As a whole, we are moving away from new year’s resolutions. Those resolutions were easily made and easily broken. Some resolutions were not specific and some were too difficult to achieve. The Word of the Year keeps us mindful throughout the year of our intentions.
This year I have chosen the word trajectory.
You should be far more concerned with your current trajectory than with your current results. – James Clear, Atomic Habits
However, a good life consists of more than simply the totality of enjoyable experiences. It must also have a meaningful pattern, a trajectory of growth that results in the development of increasing emotional, cognitive, and social complexity. – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Why this word?
Over the previous years, I have included data-driven decisions in my work and life. A trajectory follows data. That makes use of the data I have to hopefully create a curve that I have planned. As our lives evolve and we continue with uncertain times, my goal is a positive, upward trajectory. As we know, this is not always the case. Have you seen the Liz and Mollie squiggle that represents the true trajectory to tackle a project? That squiggle reminds us the path is not always straight up to the right. However, that squiggle also represents forward movement no matter.
Life and relationships are less predictable. Gratefully embracing the connections with a positive trajectory is my goal. Life is more squiggly than work!
Setting your Word of the Year
Setting your Word of the Year is a positive exercise. Think about this year and what might not have happened. Then, think about a small change you want or something you want to continue. Try on two or three words for your word. It is a small way to assess where you are and where you want to be.
