How do you set yourself up for success in the new year? How do you create a lens through which you evaluate all of your professional (and personal) decisions? “My 3 Words” is my favorite – and the most helpful – year-end exercise I do. (#My3Words)
I love Chris Brogan’s process and strongly encourage my colleagues and clients to do it as well.
Can three words shape what you do? Absolutely. Like most things, the simpler something is, the more likely it is to work.
Here’s how Brogan describes the process in his “My 3 Words for 2024” post:
Select three meaningful words with which to guide any decisions you may need to make in the coming year. The words should point to who you intend to be, what you want to focus on, and how you want to perceive the work of the year ahead. It sounds like a lot, but my first year, the words were “Ask. Do. Share,” and those were very powerful for me. It was one of my best years ever.
The words work well if they help you decide and guide yourself towards your intentions. Not your goals, exactly, but intentions. So, if your goal is to lose 30 pounds, maybe your intention is to eat better foods. Maybe you’ll use a word like “temple” to point out that your body is a temple. Or that you’re building towards something important.
The very very very key word is “Decision.” You’re looking for words that answer questions for you. “Oh, what should I do? I just got a job offer from a crazy new opportunity, but I feel so safe here at work.” If your word is “Adventure,” then maybe this is your year.
My 3 Words for 2025 were: Create. Connect. Flow.
Create: I wanted to create all kinds of things personally and professionally. I wanted to continue painting, dancing, and making music.
Connect: I wanted to connect with myself and others throughout the year. I wanted to meditate and do yoga to connect with myself. I wanted to connect with my friends and professional colleagues.
Flow: I wanted to experience flow whenever possible because it is the best feeling there is. When you are in a flow state time stops and you are fully present.
How did that work for me? Pretty well, actually. I did create some good art. I definitely danced a lot. I feel more connected to myself and made it a point to maintain long-term friendships and deepen newer ones. Flow states happened, but not as much as I would have liked. And I definitely went with the flow and ended up in a wonderful new romantic relationship.
My 3 Words for 2026 are: Freedom. Curiosity. Communion.
Freedom: Having the freedom to set my own schedule and work with the clients I want to is as important to me now as it was 15 years ago when I started my business. I also want to focus more on creating financial freedom.
Curiosity. I often say that I don’t have natural curiosity, although I am interested in things. I want to cultivate an attitude of curiosity to help me learn and explore. I want to take the time to ask an additional question or two to learn more. I think the world will get way more interesting.
Communion. I am hoping this will lead to richness in my life. Think of umami, which translates from Japanese as “pleasant savory taste” or “deliciousness.”
Your words, if you choose to do this exercise, are a lens through which you evaluate everything. Will this friendship, relationship, or professional opportunity keep you aligned with one or more of your words? If so, you should go for it. If not, maybe you want to give it some more thought or pass.
Here is Brogan taking you on a deeper dive into his process.
