Over the past few years I’ve joined this activity of choosing 3 words as a theme for the new year. Chris Brogan started this back in 2006, and here’s his suggestion on how you can go about choosing your words:
How to Choose Your Three Words
Lots of people pick words that remind them to take a certain action, or to be a certain way. Over the years, I’ve used both methods. Sometimes, my words are a verb. Other times, they’re a bit more complex. The idea is to use the words as triggers for actions you intend to take, and maybe other actions you seek to avoid.
‘Triage’ was one of my words in 2013 and it was of enormous help. It helped refocus my ADHD mind and ask, “do I need to dig into ______, and does it have to happen right now?” That cut out the hours I spent digging into things just from simple fascination. It helped me look for “good enough” rather than pimped-out blingy perfection.
So, let’s head into 2015.
My 3 words for 2015
Death
Yes. Death. I’m constantly aware of the fact that all of us are going to die, and have limited time. This is an especially sensitive topic for me after several family members died early, and 2 very close friends died in their early 40s.
With the Grim Reaper’s arrival certain but the time uncertain, knowing she’s coming keeps me thinking about how to spend my time.
Passion
There are times when I present something and the recipient pushes back and says, “No. Bring the Oz that we know with the fire and passion.” Oh. Ok. The straight information wasn’t enough.
‘Passion’ reminds me to put on the bowtie and play for real!
Empower
Yesterday I got official word that Microsoft has recognized me as an Excel MVP for 2015. It’s a great honor and offers more opportunity for that thing that drives me and made the MVP possible: empowerment of others.
Training, speaking, writing, and sharing knowledge. It’s all about empowering people to have access to the benefits of clean data.
Choosing ’empower’ as a word for 2015 is a reminder of the mission that gets me out of bed in the morning.
3 Words From Others
Check out these other bloggers who are worth following. Click the links to see why they chose their words. And I invite you to share your 3 words in the comments section.
SuzeMuze: Moment, Movement, Mindful
Christopher S. Penn: Agility, Kaizen, Research
Chris Brogan: Plan, Leverage, Fabric
Dolly the Grim Reaper image courtesy of xXSchattenschmerzXx
