When you walk into my home office, your eyes are immediately drawn to my cork-board. It has a number of different note cards, reminders, and goals, including my core desired feelings.
At the center I have a pin with my theme word for the year. This word acts as a filter to help guide me if I lose track of my direction.
Let’s take a look at how this process has helped me in years gone by…
- The first year I did this exercise was in 2010 and word was Confidence. I absolutely exceeded my definition of confidence by swimming with sharks while scuba diving, taking the stage in some of my first big public speaking gigs, and just putting myself out there in a more confident way.
- Then in 2011 I set my sights on being my Best self and focusing on only doing my best work. By 2012, I was on roll and I chose to Be Seen. This led to an edgy photo shoot, more speaking gigs, and the new Nathalie Lussier Media brand.
- In 2013 my word was Ownership. I feel like this choice was perfect for where I was in my business evolution, and it helped me grow this enterprise into a “real deal business”, complete with a team that taught me how to delegate.I also owned my gifts and the big dreams and goals I’ve wanted to create for awhile… Even when it didn’t seem like it was all going to happen. Some of these things led to winning a Bronze Stevie Award for Young Female Entrepreneur Of The Year, and hosting the first Off The Charts Live event.
Allow Yourself To Enjoy 2014
“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” -Marianne Williamson
This year, as I was taking stock of my learnings and what I want to focus on for 2014, I decided to take a slightly different approach. Most of my themes so far have been about me “doing things” or “being things”, but this year I want to focus on allowing things to happen.
My theme word is simply to allow.
That might seem weird, and it was a mindset shift for me to “get” to this place.
I believe that there’s a recipe for success that involves a good mix of doing and receiving, and over the years I’ve gotten really good at doing.
So much that when I was asked on a podcast when was the last time I took a real vacation, I had to pause for a moment. The truth is that I love my work, and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
But there is also something freeing about allowing my business to run without me. Or to allow ideas and events that I’m seeing in my imagination take shape in the real world without a ton of pushing on my part.
When I allow others to shine in their own light of genius, I can allow myself to live a happier life, too.
In the end, it’s about less striving and more allowing.
Your intentions set the course for your actions, choose wisely.
What’s your intention or word for the year?
I’d love to know what word is calling to you this year. I’m a curious duck, and this is always one of my favorite times of the year. The renewed energy and clarity is contagious and it really can change the course and direction of your life.
Please leave a comment below with your theme word or intentions for the new year.
I’d love to support your vision and allow it to come into being, too! :)
