Create Your Own, Personal Guide to Development and Success in 2023
Creating your own, personal guide to success is rooted in development. In order to be successful, it’s vital that we study success. At this point in the year, it’s pretty hard not to have our eyes set solely on what’s ahead; but at the same time, it’s incredibly important that before jumping into our intentions for 2023, we take a moment to remember and celebrate all of the lessons that this year brought us.
Whether your mental record of “good things from 2022” covers the successes, growth, learning, or unexpected silver linings, make a physical note of them all. Then, when you’re really ready to look ahead, entertain our Word of the Year approach––our favorite guide to personal and professional development with every new year.
Leadology’s Word of the Year approach combines choosing a single word (rather than a resolution, which is easily broken) with Strengths-based development to hone in on what the word truly means to you as an individual.
Similar to other Word of the Year approaches, instead of making a laundry list of goals, all this practice requires of you is choosing a single word. I started this for myself when resolutions no longer (read: never) worked for me. I felt like I needed some kind of commitment, touchstone, or filter to keep me focused on my most important goals.
Here’s where we put our Leadology spin on it. Once you choose your word––consider your Strengths and how they might influence your word. This word, plus an awareness of what Strength will help you embody it, has the power to set the tone for the next 12 months of your life, both in and out of the office.
Leadology Founder Carrie Skowronski shares her own word for 2023
My word for 2023 is consistency, a choice that was influenced by the following quote from James Clear, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Atomic Habits: “Each action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
To me, consistency in 2023 looks like facilitating more frequent Activate Cohort sessions; being better at making time for friends on a regular basis; making my health a priority; taking more intentional, restful time off; and continually showing up with focus, strength, and simplicity at work, at home, and every place in between. And while consistency is NOT a strength of mine, I know I can use my Futuristic and Empathy talents to help me stay focused on my desired outcomes, while applying self-compassion along the way.
I think, all in all, my favorite part of the Word of the Year method is that it pares down the overwhelm of personal and professional development by keeping things really simple. Oftentimes, it’s easy to lose sight of our goals as workplace leaders because the overall journey itself can be so lengthy and tedious. But with a simple guiding reminder––a single word––you can easily recenter yourself and continually ask yourself if the trajectory of your year aligns with your intentions.
So, let’s hear it! What’s your next (or first ever) Word of the Year? We’d love it if you shared it with us on Instagram––we’re so eager to know your intentions for 2023!
