My ONE WORD for 2023
In their book, "One Word That Will Change Your Life" authors Dan Britton, Jimmy Page and Jon Gordon share that - in lieu of a laundry list of soon forgotten New Year's resolutions - each year there’s a single word meant for you. They assert that when you find it, live it, and share it, your life will become more rewarding.
I've followed their recommendation every year since 2013 and I have to agree, being intentional about and focusing on one single word has made a positive difference in my life. I've seen this practice positively impact many other people too.
For this year, the One Word that resonates with me is "Contribution." Contribution is about having a direct impact in the success of an organization, making a lasting contribution, and/or leaving a legacy.
As I seek to "contribute" throughout the year, there are three related work/life values that I realize are especially important to me at this stage in my career:
Creativity – Solving problems; creating new ideas, processes, structures, programs, etc.
Relationships – Being part of a team; working with a group of people and feeling that I belong; developing friends as a result of work activity.
Balance – Having time for pursuits outside of work, vacation, re-tooling, etc.
This idea of Contribution and these supporting values have led me to want to focus most of my energy on my current role at Midwestern University's College of Veterinary Medicine and within the veterinary profession as a whole.
If the idea of choosing One Word to be your theme for the year is new to you, here's a simple three-step process to try:
Reflect on what's most important to you.
Be open to and listen for a single word that sticks with you.
Once you discover your word, find ways to honor it in your work and life including actively sharing it with other people.
What's your One Word for 2023?
