With Mark de Roo
Just three words
You’re undoubtedly heard the expression, Good things come in 3’s. OK, maybe there’s absolutely no scientific data to back this up, but it just seems that way, doesn’t it? Whether it’s three consecutive days of sunshine or a terrific trilogy of books you’ve read, there’s sweet power in the number “3.”
I appreciated this concept even more when reading a blog by Chris Brogan. For the past seven years, he begins each year by identifying three words that serve as guideposts for the following 12 months. He’s not a fan of resolutions. Just words. Here’s his explanation:
Every year since around 2006, I’ve been challenging people to forego the idea of a resolution, and instead, to come up with 3 words that will help you define your goals and experiences for the coming year. Resolutions are often too vague, or too directed towards one goal. It might be “quit smoking” or “lose 20 pounds” or “get hired.” These are all fine aspirations, but I challenge you to dig deeper, to find three words that could be used as lighthouses to guide you through stormy seas, that can be used as flags on the battlefield of your challenges, words that will bolster you and give you a direction that goes beyond the goals you might attach as a result of these words.
Thoughtful thorough trio
Here are examples from some of his readers:
Lean. Zoom. Excel.
Focus. Create. Smile.
Authenticity. Action. Amore.
I really like that last one! A little “amore” is good for just about anything!
Of course, Chris got me thinking about what three words that will serve me during ’13. After a few days of reflection and better yet, anticipation for this next chapter, I came up with these three words:
Grace. Balance. Mindful.
If you’re a purist about these words, you’d label these as two nouns and an adjective. I’m going to take some literary license and make them all verbs—well, at least, metaphorically.
In terms of “grace,” I’ve been granted it by the good Lord with the expectation that I’ll extend that to others. The “balance” thing has always been a struggle for me. This year, I want to be all-the-more intentional about getting off the treadmill of work a bit more, watch more Seinfeld re-runs, and go on more date nights with my wife. “Mindfulness” has a slow-it-down-and-focus dimension to it that I’d like to leverage more within myself and for my clients.
So—and you knew this was coming—what are your three words for 2013? What will serve as your targets—or rumble strips—as you engage the next year?
Think about it and let me know your thoughts, or more precisely your words. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.
photos by tillwe & black plastic