The Power of a Single Word

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A new year and a new start! A great time to set goals and make plans, but have you set too many?

The problem with goal setting and planning is that we are often too optimistic about what we can actually achieve in the time available. We set too many goals!

My daily to do list is never-ending and I’ll bet yours is too. As fast as we cross things off, along comes more to add! A few years ago I learned the Pomodoro technique. Part of that involves planning my day, with an estimate of how long each task will take. Quite often, the first thing I realize is that I’ve got more tasks than hours and I have to re-evaluate and prioritise! But it’s better to figure that out before you start than at the end of the day with important stuff rushed or not done and that terrible feeling of overwhelm.

My first day back at work after a break, I was amazed that my plan worked! I got every task done, more-or-less within the estimated time. I ended the day feeling really good and knowing I’d been realistic about how much I could achieve in one day and what could wait.

The next day was not so good, one task blew out my time estimate, an important document arrived and required urgent attention and a couple of phone calls interrupted the work-flow. I could not accomplish all I wanted to, but since I’d worked on the highest priorities, I could feel fairly satisfied, not sapped by this day’s work.

The problem is, it’s not just our daily plans that can blow out, or have urgent things disrupt them. Most of us are juggling so many things and trying to cram so much into life that we are precariously balanced. Adding too many goals can overload and overwhelm.

I’ve previously shared goal-setting and planning tools. I use the Dartboard at least once a year and the Goal Map is great for detailed planning. However, a year can go astray as easily as well-planned day! So we need to be careful not to set too many goals, in too many areas of our lives because we risk disappointment and frustration.

So here’s what I do to preserve balance (and my sanity). I choose a word. A word that will be my theme for the year. A single word that sums up what I want for my life overall and in every aspect of what I do. I definitely use annual goals, 90 day projects, monthly outcomes, weekly and daily plans, but my one-word is the unifying thought I keep in mind. It’s a touch point as I plan, a guide as I prioritise and I believe it has a magnetic, subconscious ability to draw me toward my intention. I choose a word that represents what I need, what I bring to my work and has a “vibe” that inspires me.

My word this year is “Energy”.  What’s yours?